Greetings again from the darkness. I usually try to avoid using the word ‘endearing’ to describe a film that strikes an emotional chord, but for this film from writer-director Lauren Meyering and co-writer Mackenzie Breeden, the word fits perfectly. Much of the reason for this is the screen presence of Lillian Carrier, who was diagnosed with autism at age 16. Here she portrays twenty-two-year-old Margarita in a way that allows us to understand her real life challenges.
Margarita openly confesses the backstory of her name to most everyone she meets. It’s a clue to how direct and honest she can be, while also showing her difficulty in recognizing social cues and adhering to social norms. She lives with her mother Sandy (Gretchen Mol), who is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Sandy and Margarita have a deep bond, but mother is trying hard (for good reason) to push Margarita towards independence. This leads to arguments, and to Margarita securing a job at the local Halloween store run by Hank (Igbal Theba).
It’s joining a troupe of young hobby-horse dancers (yeah, I had no idea this was a thing) that leads Margarita even closer to independence. The team’s coach is played by (an excellent) Jerod Harris, and his ‘tough love’ approach is something Margarita responds to. “Walk it off, Red”, is one of his regular sayings as she initially stumbles through the routine or faces harsh treatment from the snooty girls on the team. We all know that ‘adulting’ is not easy. The trip is filled with obstacles. It’s even more challenging for those on the spectrum, yet we find a certain satisfaction in watching Margarita grow and develop.
I’ve been a fan of Gretchen Mol since the 1990’s and have often said I wish she would act more often … at least in the projects I see. Here, she’s a strong mother and vulnerable woman and really delivers as Margarita’s mother. As Margarita, Lillian Carrier is quite something to behold. She is smart and emotional and relatable … and someone we enjoy rooting for. Some may call this a ‘coming-of-age’ story, and perhaps it is. Mostly, it’s the journey of life that we all travel – only some roads are a bit bumpier than others. Look for a nice cameo towards the end.
The film opens in theaters on July 17, 2026
Movie Reviews from the Dark 
Another excellent review. “Horsegirls” is another film that I have never heard of before but your review has given me a strong reason to check it out. As someone with Autism that’s on the spectrum, I always appreciate it when movies attempt to capture the disorder. It’s certainly not an easy condition to depict in movies. This review brought to mind great movies about Autism I have seen and loved. For instance, it reminded me of the movie “Rain Man”. Released in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Autistic brothers. “Horsegirls” seems to be another great film about a complicated condition that’s misunderstood. So, for these reasons, “Horsegirls” is a movie that I will definitely be sure to see in theaters.
Here’s my thoughts on “Rain Man”: