Directed by Lauren Meyering, 2025, United States, Not Rated, 101 minutes
Twenty-two-year-old Margarita (Lillian Carrier), an autistic young woman devoted to horses, finds her carefully ordered world shifting as her mother Sandy (Gretchen Mol) struggles with a life-changing medical diagnosis. Faced with growing responsibilities and uncertain futures, Margarita discovers unexpected strength through the equestrian community that has always been her refuge. Balancing humor, honesty, and compassion, Horsegirls offers a refreshingly authentic coming-of-age story that celebrates neurodiversity without sentimentality. Following its acclaimed festival premiere, the film earned praise for its heartfelt performances and nuanced storytelling. Critics described it as “a warm, funny, and deeply empathetic portrait of finding independence on your own terms,” with particular acclaim for Lillian Carrier's remarkable breakout performance.