Horse Girl
Movie Trailer
Release Date
February 7, 2020
Genre
Drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Alison Brie as Sarah
- Debby Ryan as Nikki
- Molly Shannon as Joan
- John Reynolds as Darren
- Paul Reiser as Gary
- Jay Duplass as Ethan
- Robin Tunney as Agatha Kaine
Director
Jeff Baena
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Little Hours (2017)
- Joshy (2016)
- Life After Beth (2014)
Producer
- Alison Brie
- Jeff Baena
- Mel Eslyn
- Alana Carithers
Writer
- Jeff Baena
- Alison Brie
Budget
Estimated at $2 million
Production Company
- Duplass Brothers Productions
- Star Thrower Entertainment
Running Time
104 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
TV-MA
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Some sexual content
- Mental health themes
- Disturbing imagery
Movie Story
“Horse Girl” is a surreal psychological drama that centers on Sarah (Alison Brie), a socially awkward woman who works at an arts and crafts store and spends her free time watching her favorite supernatural TV show, visiting her beloved horse Willow at a nearby stable, and engaging in arts and crafts. Despite her seemingly mundane life, Sarah begins to experience a series of strange and unsettling events that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
As Sarah’s sense of reality starts to unravel, she experiences vivid dreams and sleepwalking episodes that she cannot explain. She begins to believe that she is being abducted by aliens, and that her life is somehow connected to a long line of women in her family who suffered from mental illness. These beliefs grow more intense as she starts to see patterns in everyday life that reinforce her fears.
Sarah’s growing paranoia alienates her from her friends and coworkers, including her roommate Nikki (Debby Ryan) and her boss Joan (Molly Shannon). Her behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and she struggles to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. As she tries to make sense of her experiences, she becomes convinced that she is the subject of a larger, cosmic conspiracy, leading to a dramatic and emotional climax.
“Horse Girl” is a deeply introspective film that explores themes of mental illness, isolation, and the search for identity. The film’s narrative structure reflects Sarah’s fractured state of mind, blending dreamlike sequences with moments of stark reality. The film raises questions about the nature of reality and the thin line between sanity and delusion.
Special Effects
The film uses a combination of practical effects and visual storytelling to create a disorienting and surreal atmosphere. The special effects are subtle, focusing more on creating a sense of unease and confusion rather than overtly supernatural elements. The film’s use of lighting, sound design, and visual transitions helps to blur the boundaries between Sarah’s dreams and reality, enhancing the psychological tension.
Box Office Performance
“Horse Girl” was released on Netflix and had a limited theatrical run, focusing primarily on digital streaming. The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise for Alison Brie’s performance and the film’s unique exploration of mental health. However, some viewers found the film’s ambiguous narrative and surreal elements challenging. Despite this, “Horse Girl” resonated with audiences who appreciated its unconventional storytelling and emotional depth.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “I know it sounds crazy, but what if I’m not who I think I am?” – Sarah
- “Sometimes we find things we’re not supposed to.” – Ethan
Behind-the-Scenes
“Horse Girl” was co-written by Alison Brie and Jeff Baena, with Brie drawing from her own family’s history of mental illness to inform her portrayal of Sarah. The film’s unconventional narrative structure was designed to reflect the disorientation and confusion experienced by someone struggling with mental health issues. The filmmakers aimed to create a story that was both empathetic and thought-provoking, challenging audiences to consider the complexities of the human mind.
Awards
- None, but Alison Brie’s performance was widely praised by critics and viewers alike.
Final Verdict
“Horse Girl” is a haunting and thought-provoking film that offers a unique exploration of mental illness and identity. Alison Brie’s performance is the heart of the movie, delivering a portrayal that is both vulnerable and compelling. While the film’s surreal narrative and ambiguous ending may not appeal to all viewers, it provides a deeply emotional and introspective look at the fragility of the mind. For those interested in psychological dramas that challenge perceptions of reality, “Horse Girl” is a must-watch.
IMDb Rating
5.9/10