I don’t know about you, but growing up, one of my favorite movies ever was the Hillary Duff starrer Casper Meets Wendy. For the longest time, I didn’t even know it was a sequel, but it’s the sweetness with which the two “enemies,” i.e., the ghost and the witch, form an unimaginable bond, is a story of gold. It’s sweet, it’s simple, but it’s also hilarious and the perfect movie for children who like ghosts. Yeah, I know not many of you feel the same way about them as me, but it’s still a cute film, and there’s so much to enjoy about it. Jokes aside though, what’s fantastic about those films is that they make ghosts somewhat “accessible,” for the lack of a better word, and so if you want to try and not feel FOMO during the festivities of Halloween, then this is the exact kind of movie you should watch to enjoy yourself.
Girl Haunts Boy is an adorable film about a teenage boy named Cole who is dealing with grief while moving into a new small town. To add to his troubles, he learns that his new home is haunted by the ghost of a girl who he can interact with. But wait, there’s more; this is a YA romance, so you know exactly where it’s going to go. What I loved about this adaptation is that it’s not only cute, but it’s also got some substance about depression and loneliness, but in a brief and lighthearted manner. It’s the exact type of movie I’d have enjoyed back when I was a lonely-ish adolescent. The film does a great job of setting the tone. It begins in the flapper era, where we meet our ghostly protagonist Bea, and then moves on to the present era, where we meet our human protagonist Cole. From there, the story follows simple yet entertaining episodes that lead to the two of them becoming somewhat inseparable, but of course, with one being a ghost, they’re an unlikely pair.
Peyton List stars as Bea, the ghost. I remember having seen her first in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies and loving her instantly. Nothing’s changed about her in all these years. She’s still just as chirpy and fun. You know those movies where there’s a broody male lead and then the female lead is like a cheer bomb in comparison, so they make the perfect “opposites attract” couple? That’s exactly how I’d describe Cole and Bea. They’re worlds apart, yet make for the perfect team. On the other hand, we’ve got handsome-hunk-new-boy Michael Cimino as Cole. I haven’t seen him in anything, but the second the guy showed up in the film, I knew he fit in perfectly because of his side-swept wavy hair. I don’t know if it’s specifically Hollywood or if people actually have hair like that, but I know this man’s going to be haunted when I see those bangs. Jokes aside, the actor does star in the teen drama Never Have I Ever, and I quite liked him in this film. They share the perfect chemistry, and the emotional depth is handled carefully with charm. Oh, and he can sing; what’s not to like?
Girl Haunts Boy is a thoughtful story about loss and how to deal with it. It’s the perfect kind of film that would help young kids understand what they’re dealing with without being overwhelming but rather relatable. While it’s not technically a time travel film, it has the advantage of featuring a ghost from the 20s, which allows for hilarity to ensue but also makes it one of those films that helps you see that “life is beautiful” and you should enjoy it while you can. Oh, but don’t worry, it doesn’t feel like a history lesson; it’s just all fun.
It’s hard to find yourself when you’re dealing with loss. It makes you forget what you’re good at and want to leave everything you like behind because you feel guilty for being alive. And Cole’s lost a parent, someone who actually made him, so it’s like losing a part of yourself, but how does one get back on their two feet when they’ve built up prickly walls all around them? Well, with a ghost who can easily walk through them. Jokes aside, Cole and Bea find each other when they realize they have something in common. I don’t want to go into detail because I’d be giving away spoilers. This common ground is explored in a fun way and leads to some interesting results, including Cole finally opening up to the world.Now, I know just judging by the title, Girl Haunts Boy sounds like a cheesy little teen romance, but it’s got so many more layers to it. It’s a sweet and wholesome film that feels like getting a piece of carrot cake with your coffee for free. You’ve got no expectations, but it’s sweet and soft. If you’re looking for something different this spooky season, then Girl Haunts Boy is the exact movie for you. It’s also the perfect film to watch with your family because there’s no profanity, it has great messaging, and it’s just very nice to look at. The film uses colors in a fun way to shift between points of view, which I find interesting.
At the end of the day, Girl Haunts Boy doesn’t really have a happily ever after. Not in the way you’d want it to, but you already know that because it’s about a ghost and a human, there are only a few ways that can go. Still, it leaves you feeling happy at the end of it and somewhat hopeful, and that feeling is what you should look for while watching the film. I’d give Girl Haunts Boy 3.5 stars out of 5 and would definitely recommend it.
