In “Girl Haunts Boy”, director Emily Ting crafts a supernatural romance that blends heartwarming moments with eerie mystery. The story follows Cole (Michael Cimino), a grieving teenager who moves to a quiet town with his mother after the death of his father. Seeking solace, Cole soon realizes that his new bedroom is haunted by Bea (Peyton List), a 17-year-old girl who died under mysterious circumstances in the 1920s. Bound to the house by a magical ring she stole from a museum, Bea is invisible to everyone except Cole—who gains the ability to see and communicate with her after accidentally putting on the ring.
At first, their relationship seems playful and curious, as Cole and Bea explore the peculiarities of her curse. But beneath the banter lies a deeper connection. Cole, burdened by the loss of his father, finds comfort in Bea's presence. Bea stuck in the afterlife for nearly a century, discovers a renewed sense of purpose through her friendship with Cole. Their bond quickly evolves, with each of them helping the other navigate the emotional challenges they face—Cole’s grief and Bea’s longing for freedom.
As the film progresses, the stakes rise when Cole learns there is a way to break the curse and set Bea free. However, this revelation comes with a devastating catch: freeing Bea from the ring would mean losing her forever. Cole is forced to grapple with a heart-breaking decision—should he let go of Bea and allow her to pass on, or keep her in his life as a ghost?
“Girl Haunts Boy” shines in its portrayal of love and loss, offering a poignant exploration of letting go. Cimino and List deliver heartfelt performances, imbuing their characters with depth and vulnerability. With its mix of romance, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes, the film strikes a delicate balance between the haunting and the heart-warming, making it a bittersweet tale.
However, the plot of Girl Haunts Boy feels reminiscent of a typical Disney Channel movie, relying heavily on familiar tropes and predictable story beats. While the premise of a haunted romance has potential, the execution lacks originality, making the story feel borrowed rather than fresh. The pacing of the film, combined with its somewhat formulaic plot, leaves little room for genuine surprises or emotional depth.
From the moment Cole discovers the ring, it’s easy to foresee the direction the story will take. The blossoming connection between the living and the dead, the looming choice of whether to break the curse or not, and even the light-hearted comedic moments all feel like they’ve been done before. Although the film touches on themes of grief, love, and self-discovery, it doesn’t dive deep enough to leave a lasting impact, instead opting for predictable resolutions and neatly tied-up endings.
The lack of narrative risks or bold storytelling choices leaves the film feeling flat, especially for audiences craving something beyond surface-level entertainment.
Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times