One Woman, MultipleLives, Zero Guarantees
Zoe
MOVIE REVIEW
Zoe
- 
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Emanuela Galliussi, Dean Matthew Ronalds
Writer(s): Emanuela Galliussi
Cast: Emanuela Galliussi, Michel Rodriguez Carmona, Jaspal Binning, Chanel Victor, Daniele Natali, Francesca Olivi
Where to Watch: Shown at the Miami Film Festival
RAVING REVIEW: What do you get when a film leans into chaos just enough to mirror what it feels like to exist in the middle of a personal identity crisis? ZOE doesn’t aim to tidy up that storm—it dances in its insanity, winks at it, and sometimes stumbles through it. This film is about being lost, not in the conventional sense, but emotionally disoriented in a world where everything appears just fine from the outside. Under the guidance of Emanuela Galliussi, who wears many hats as writer, co-director, producer, and lead, ZOE explores the question so many narratives try to avoid: what happens when “having it all” still feels like not enough?
The structure wastes no time throwing reality out the window. Zoe finds herself thrust into a magical contract: she’ll experience three different lives and, with them, three other chances to see what she truly needs. If she fails, there’s a catch—but the film keeps this premise playful rather than menacing. Following is an episodic trek through three cities—Ibiza, London, and Paris—each introducing a new version of Zoe. These aren’t alternate universes so much as heightened emotional snapshots, tied together by Zoe’s desperate hope for clarity.
Each segment brings a personality, both visually and tonally. Ibiza bursts with recklessness, London offers a sharper, more rigid emotional contrast, and Paris moves with quieter romantic stakes. What keeps these chapters connected isn’t narrative glue, but the persistent sense that Zoe is trying on different versions of herself like outfits, hoping one will finally feel like home. Rather than aiming for realism, the film embraces a dreamlike quality. You’re not meant to overanalyze the mechanics—this isn’t a story grounded in strict rules, and trying to impose logic on it would likely break the charm.
That said, the looseness of the internal logic does leave space for critique. The magical premise is used more as a springboard than a system. There’s no deep mythology or evolving sense of magical consequence. The intro to all of this, while charming, feels more symbolic than essential. The presence adds a whimsical flair, but one can’t help but wish the script had found more depth in that element, the cause. A tighter structure around the fantasy may have helped the stakes land harder, especially when the film hints at a consequence that never feels particularly urgent.
Galliussi is the center of gravity throughout. Her portrayal of Zoe is as messy as it is magnetic, steering away from cliché and into something more chaotic and honest. She doesn’t play Zoe as a symbol or a stand-in—this is a living, breathing character with baggage and blind spots. Galliussi’s approach to the role keeps the energy alive. Zoe often barrels into situations without thinking, flails when emotions peak, and holds tension in her body even when trying to appear calm.
The supporting cast complements her well. In one chapter, Michel Rodriguez Carmona brings levity and spontaneity as a romantic interest, while Jaspal Binning’s presence adds a dose of unpredictability that challenges Zoe’s emotional stability. Chanel Victor, especially in the Paris scenes, helps bring a more grounded contrast to Zoe’s chaos. Their interactions feel honest, hinting at something deeper beneath the surface without spelling it out.
Dean Ronalds handles the cinematography and editing, creating a visual language that speaks to each phase of Zoe’s journey. His camera frequently stays close to Zoe, creating intimacy and sometimes discomfort. Transitions between the story’s emotions are often communicated through creative lighting and framing rather than dialogue, giving the story its more playful edge.
As far as indie debuts go, this one wears its imperfections proudly. Galliussi and Ronalds have created something that thrives on sincerity more than precision. Their collaborative voice is shaped by personal experiences and a genuine desire to tell stories that blend vulnerability with a touch of magic. The backdrop isn’t just for show—it reinforces the idea that internal discontent doesn’t care about setting. No matter how far you run or how beautiful your life looks from the outside, that feeling of “something’s missing” will find its way in.
Ultimately, this is a story about fragmentation—not being broken but splintered across desires, insecurities, and imagined futures. It’s about someone trying to figure out which version of themselves is worth holding onto. While the movie doesn’t land every punch, it delivers enough curiosity, warmth, and narrative experimentation to leave an impression. ZOE is a wild card—part introspective fantasy, part romantic misadventure, and part existential detour. It’s the kind of ride worth taking, if only to remember that searching is sometimes more important than finding.
Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.
You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.
I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.
[photo courtesy of FALLING UP FILMS, TUPRA STUDIO]
DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.
