Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ghostly teen romance blends grief, love, and friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Girl Haunts Boy
What's the Story?
In GIRL HAUNTS BOY, Cole (Michael Cimino) moves to a quiet town with his mother after his father's passing, only to discover that his new bedroom is haunted by the ghost of 17-year-old Bea (Peyton List). Bea, who died in the 1920s, is bound to the house by a magical ring she took from a museum. When Cole puts the ring on, he can see and talk to Bea, and the two quickly bond as they help each other navigate their own challenges. As their connection grows into something deeper, Cole learns there's a way to break Bea's curse and set her free. However, doing so would mean losing her forever, forcing Cole to make a heartbreaking choice—let go of Bea or keep her in his life as a ghost.
Is It Any Good?
Girl Haunts Boy adds a heartfelt twist to the young adult paranormal romance genre. The film blends lighthearted moments with emotional depth, exploring themes of love, loss, and healing from grief. Peyton List and Michael Cimino shine as Bea and Cole, whose bond grows not only through shared experiences but also through a love for music, with Cimino even performing original songs that add to the movie's charm. The story directly references The Great Gatsby, with Cole drawing parallels to his own life, adding another layer of meaning to his journey. Modern pop culture references, like Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny, also give the movie a unique and appealing experience for young audiences.
While Girl Haunts Boy delivers a touching narrative, some viewers may find the pacing slow during the early interactions between Bea and Cole. Still, the emotional depth of their growing friendship and the weight of Cole's eventual decision keep the story engaging. Though more sentimental than scary, the movie's supernatural elements serve as a metaphor for dealing with grief and letting go, making it a thoughtful film for kids and parents to share.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's use of music to strengthen the bond between Cole and Bea. Do you have any shared interests like that with your friends or family?
How does Cole's relationship with Bea help him cope with the loss of his father? Can you think of other healthy ways to handle grief?
Cole and Bea come from very different time periods. What challenges do you think they face in understanding each other's perspectives?
The film explores the idea of letting go versus holding on. Why is it hard for Cole to let Bea go, and what does the movie say about moving forward?
If you were in Cole's situation, would you want to help Bea move on, or would you want to keep her around? Why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 11, 2024
- Cast : Peyton List , Michael Cimino , Andrea Navedo
- Director : Emily Ting
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Puerto Rican Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Writer(s) , South American Movie Writer(s)
- Studios : Fifth Season , Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild thematic elements and language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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