“Girl Haunts Boy”

Amina Ahmed

With the holiday festivities nearing and the weather cooling down, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a good hallmark movie. Despite heavy critique for their surface-level nature and recycled themes, the frivolity of it all brings me a lot of comfort. So, when Netflix released their latest film, “Girl Haunts Boy,” in time for spooky season, I knew I had to settle in for a good bed rot. The story centers Bea Jenkins (Peyton List), a ghost who haunts her childhood home, and Cole Sanchez (Michael Cimino), the newest tenant in Bea’s home. Upon wearing a ring found in his bedroom, Cole miraculously sees and hears Bea. We later discover the ring is cursed, which ultimately led to Bea’s demise when she stole it from a museum nearly a century ago. Thus, Cole and Bea attempt to break her curse, and in the end, bond over their love of music and past traumas. 

Was the film a little predictable? Yes. Did I still enjoy it? Also yes. There is nothing wrong with revisiting old conventions and motifs—because they’re good! The film’s discourse on friendships and connections, even with non-living creatures, is always a hit. I’d even go as far as to say that the film bridged new territory in its mirroring/retelling of the novel: “The Great Gatsby.” Nevertheless, there is always more to ask from movies like “Girl Haunts Boy.” There's a story untold behind Bea’s clever and curious spirit, her ambiguous relationship with Cole, and Lydia (Phoebe Holden), one of Cole’s first friends at his new school. The movie isn’t Oscar-worthy, but you certainly know what you’re getting yourself into—which arguably is the best part.