Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Autism coming-of-age drama is sweet, with salty language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Horsegirls
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
With her mother, Sandy (Gretchen Mol), battling breast cancer, autistic 22-year-old Margarita (Lillian Carrier) is expected to get a job to contribute to the household and prove that she can do adult things. But when she discovers a group of preteen HORSEGIRLS training for a hobby horse competition, Margarita secretly joins the team and becomes passionate about learning the sport.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director Lauren Meyering's coming-of-age drama isn't just excellent; it's authentic in the best way. Casting a performer with autism in the lead role helps Horsegirls show, as artwork in Margarita's room reads, that "different is not less." It's just different, with its own set of behaviors and skills. And in this poignant, insightful, and entertaining exploration of one young woman's necessary reach for independence, one thing is true: The more our differences are shown in entertainment, the better the world becomes.
Thanks to a thoughtful script and Carrier's impressive debut performance, the movie helps underline the idea that while some people with autism may sometimes seem rude, it may just be them being honest and straightforward, communicating in the way that makes sense to them. Horsegirls also shows that the need for acceptance, inclusion, and the opportunity to excel is widespread, and Margarita—who's a fantastic character—craves these things as much as wanting to ride a horse.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way that Horsegirls depicts autism and people who are autistic. Why is realistic, authentic representation important in the media? How can entertainment help normalize differences?
Which characters, if any, do you consider role models? Why?
How do you think society in general tends to treat people with neurological, physical, or developmental disabilities? In the movie, who treats Margarita with respect?
How did the mean behavior aimed at Margarita make you feel? What should you do if you witness someone being bullied?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 17, 2026
- Cast : Lillian Carrier , Gretchen Mol , Iqbal Theba
- Director : Lauren Meyering
- Studio : Sumerian Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Competition , Family Stories ( Moms , Single Parents )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : July 15, 2026
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