Upon its release in 1983, the film faced significant scrutiny from the Brazilian military dictatorship's censorship boards. Its explicit themes and unconventional imagery were seen as a direct affront to the conservative values of the time. Despite, or perhaps because of, this controversy, the film garnered a cult following, cementing its place in the underground film scene.

For those interested in the history of cult cinema and the evolution of Brazilian film, "A Menina e o Cavalo" offers a unique, if challenging, viewing experience. It stands as a testament to José Mojica Marins' uncompromising vision and his role as one of the most singular voices in world cinema. Whether viewed as a masterpiece of the macabre or a relic of a bygone era of exploitation, its impact on the landscape of Brazilian film is undeniable.

The narrative centers on a young woman who seeks refuge and a sense of belonging in the countryside. However, what begins as a story of pastoral escape quickly descends into a surreal and unsettling exploration of isolation, primal desires, and the blurring lines between human and animal nature. True to Marins' signature style, the film is permeated with a sense of dread and the grotesque, challenging the viewer's comfort zones at every turn.