Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Some films don’t need huge twists or loud emotions to leave a mark. Horsegirls is one of them.
Director Lauren Meyering tells a deeply personal story about family, independence, autism, and finding confidence in unexpected places. It’s funny when it needs to be, heartbreaking when it counts, and refreshingly honest throughout.
Lillian Carrier delivers a performance that quietly carries the entire film.
Quick facts
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie | Horsegirls |
| Director | Lauren Meyering |
| Writers | Mackenzie Breeden, Lauren Meyering |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Runtime | 1h 41m |
| Rating | PG-13 |
| Release Date | July 17, 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Bow and Arrow Entertainment, MAD DOG FILMS |
Story
Margarita is a 22-year-old autistic woman whose life revolves around routines, horses, and the close bond she shares with her mother, Sandy.
Everything changes when Sandy faces an uncertain medical diagnosis.
Margarita suddenly has to deal with a new job, adult responsibilities, and the fear of losing the person who has always supported her. Along the way, she discovers the unusual world of competitive hobby horse gymnastics.
It sounds quirky at first.
Then the film shows why the sport matters. Hobby horse competitions become a place where Margarita builds confidence, makes friends, and starts believing in herself.
The story never rushes her journey. Every small step feels earned.
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Lillian Carrier is outstanding
Lillian Carrier gives one of the year’s most genuine performances.
She plays Margarita with honesty and warmth instead of relying on stereotypes. Margarita can be funny, stubborn, anxious, determined, and wonderfully kind, often within the same scene.
Carrier makes every emotion feel real.
By the final act, you’re completely invested in her future.
Gretchen Mol shines as Sandy
Gretchen Mol brings quiet strength to the role of Sandy.
She loves her daughter fiercely, but she also struggles with letting go while facing her own illness.
Their relationship drives the film.
Many of the movie’s strongest scenes are simply conversations between mother and daughter.
A fresh take on autism
One of the film’s biggest strengths is how naturally it treats its autistic lead.
Margarita isn’t defined by a diagnosis.
She’s allowed to make mistakes, argue, laugh, dream, and grow like any other young adult. That approach gives the story emotional honesty without turning it into a lesson.
The hobby horse world
Many viewers may have never heard of hobby horse competitions before watching this film.
Lauren Meyering treats the sport with respect instead of making it the punchline. The training scenes are energetic, creative, and surprisingly exciting.
By the championship sequences, you’ll understand exactly why the competitors care so much.
Direction
Lauren Meyering keeps the camera close to the characters.
The film avoids unnecessary melodrama. It trusts the performances to carry the emotion, and they do.
The pacing is gentle but rarely feels slow.
Visuals and music
The cinematography keeps things simple and intimate.
Warm lighting, comfortable neighborhoods, local gyms, and colorful hobby horse events make the movie feel grounded.
The soundtrack fits the mood without asking for attention.
What works
- Lillian Carrier delivers an unforgettable lead performance.
- Gretchen Mol adds warmth and emotional depth.
- Honest representation of autism.
- Strong writing with believable dialogue.
- Funny moments balance the heavier themes.
- Hobby horse competitions bring fresh energy to the story.
What could have been better
A few supporting characters disappear before the story fully develops them.
Some viewers may find the pace slower than a typical comedy-drama.
Final verdict
Horsegirls is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama with plenty of humor and compassion.
Lauren Meyering tells a story about independence, family, and self-belief without forcing emotional moments. Lillian Carrier gives a performance that deserves attention, and Gretchen Mol matches her scene for scene.
This is a quiet film with a big heart. If you enjoy character-driven dramas like CODA, Peanut Butter Falcon, or Cha Cha Real Smooth, Horsegirls belongs on your watchlist.