A young woman's journey to independence begins
As her mother Sandy (Gretchen Mol) grapples with an uncertain diagnosis, autistic 22-year-old Margarita (a revelatory Lillian Carrier) must reluctantly grow up. Bogged down by the demands of her new job at a Halloween store and the complications surrounding her mom’s illness, Margarita discovers a competitive hobby horse dance team — a sport in which young athletes mimic equestrian activities such as jumping and galloping by utilizing a stick horse — and throws herself into training. Encouraged by her coach (Jerod Haynes), her mom and her community, Margarita begins to gain confidence as she grows into her independence and looks forward to her next chapter.Anchored by fantastic performances from Carrier, Mol and Tony Hale, Horsegirls is a moving dramedy that sneaks up on you while also shining a spotlight on a sport that is growing in popularity outside the U.S. Writer-director Lauren Meyering has expertly crafted an autistic lead character who is allowed to be all things: lovable, stubborn, hilarious, frustrating, capable and sweet.—Karen Kemmerle
What You Can Do
✨ Sign in to earn points for every action you take!
Go the extra mile!
Impact in Action
"Horsegirls" is not just a film; it's a transformative journey that sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of autistic individuals, particularly young women, and their quest for empowerment and independence. Through the lens of Margarita, a 22-year-old navigating the complexities of adulthood and a challenging home life, the film opens a dialogue about ability representation and the importance of community support.With the increasing prevalence of autism diagnoses—affecting 1 in 44 children in the U.S. according to the CDC—"Horsegirls" arrives at a crucial moment. It showcases how competitive hobbies, such as hobby horse dancing, can foster confidence and social connections among autistic individuals. The film's portrayal of Margarita's journey encourages viewers to rethink societal perceptions of autism, emphasizing that these individuals are multifaceted, capable, and deserving of their own narratives.Moreover, the film's impact extends beyond entertainment; it catalyzes discussions about inclusion in various spaces, including sports and arts, advocating for policies that support diverse representation. As more audiences engage with this poignant story, it has the potential to influence community initiatives and inspire policy changes that promote accessibility and empowerment for autistic individuals. "Horsegirls" is more than a story of personal growth; it serves as a mirror reflecting societal attitudes and a call to action for a more inclusive and understanding world.
Where to Watch
We don't have watch sources for this film yet. Know where to watch it? Suggest a source and we'll add it after review.
