— A Raw and Poignant Portrait of Autistic Identity, Independence, and Finding Belonging ; review by Rhonda @ ouchmagazine.com
HORSEGIRLS, directed by Lauren Meyering, is a stunning debut feature that does more than just depict a young woman’s journey of independence—it challenges our preconceived notions of what it means to navigate the world as someone who is autistic, and what it means to truly belong. At the heart of the film is Margarita, a 22-year-old woman struggling to care for her ailing mother while finding her own sense of agency in a world that is often overwhelming. Margarita’s story is one of discovery—not only of herself but of an unexpected, quirky community that offers her a new way to claim her autonomy.
As someone who is autistic, I can say with certainty that HORSEGIRLS is not just another narrative about a woman learning to “fit in” or “overcome” her neurodivergents. Instead, it centers Margarita’s lived experience in a way that feels authentic, grounded, and most importantly—human. And this is where the magic of the film lies: in Margarita’s struggles, we see not only her resilience but also her humor, her quirks, and her deeply felt humanity.
Lillian Carrier brings a nuanced, quietly powerful performance to the role of Margarita—one that speaks volumes without relying on the overdone tropes often assigned to autistic characters. There is no savior complex here, no “inspiration porn” to make the audience feel better about themselves. Margarita is simply a woman, doing her best, and discovering who she can become along the way. It’s a raw, honest portrayal of the messiness of adulthood, the complexity of caring for a loved one, and the moments of quiet triumph that define personal growth.
Her journey begins with a failed attempt at horseback riding, overwhelmed by the sensory experience of it all. It’s at this moment of frustration, of being caught between her mother’s expectations and her own limitations, that Margarita stumbles into the world of hobby horsing—an unexpected and surprisingly liberating pursuit. Here, Margarita finds not just a hobby, but a sense of community, acceptance, and freedom. The seemingly absurd world of hobby horsing becomes a metaphor for her broader search for independence—a pursuit that feels both grounding and deeply freeing.
The film’s visual language—especially in its portrayal of the hobbyhorsing world—is vivid and whimsical, but it’s also purposeful. Meyering uses the space of the competition and the movement of the girls on their stick horses to convey Margarita’s internal journey. Every awkward gallop and unsteady turn feels like a metaphor for her path to self-empowerment, one that’s messy, imperfect, and deeply personal. As someone who has navigated similar spaces, I found these moments to be incredibly resonant—capturing the essence of how small, everyday victories can have massive emotional significance when you’re trying to chart your own course.
What sets HORSEGIRLS apart from similar narratives about young women finding themselves is its unapologetic focus on the autistic experience. We rarely see characters like Margarita allowed to be fully human—full of contradictions, complexity, and moments of self-doubt, but also brilliance, humor, and joy. Margarita’s struggle is not one of “overcoming autism” or fitting into a society that views her as “other.” Rather, it’s a journey of discovering how to thrive on her own terms, surrounded by a group of girls who, like her, are seeking their place in the world. There is no pressure to conform, just a sense of belonging that feels genuine and empowering.
HORSEGIRLS is more than just a coming-of-age drama. It’s a deeply affirming film for anyone who has ever felt out of place, who has ever struggled to define their own path in the face of family expectations and societal pressure. It’s a film that allows its protagonist to exist in all her complexity—messy, imperfect, and wonderfully human—and shows how that very complexity is the thing that makes her beautiful and powerful.
In the end, HORSEGIRLS is not only a film about independence, but also about the relationships that allow us to grow. Margarita’s journey is a quiet revolution, one that defies what we expect from typical narratives about autism and womanhood. It’s a film that embraces the offbeat, the quirky, and the deeply personal—reminding us all that there is no one “right” way to claim your place in the world.
Cast & Credits
Lauren Meyering
Director
Producer
Screenwriter
Cinematographer
Editor
Composer
Executive Producer
Co-Producer
Cast
