Ponyboi

Esteban Arango's Ponyboi is a neon-lit neo-noir that pulses with the grit of New Jersey's underbelly and the vibrancy of queer identity. Set against the backdrop of Valentine's Day 2002, the film follows Ponyboi (River Gallo), an intersex sex worker entangled in a botched drug deal orchestrated by his volatile employer, Vinny (Dylan O'Brien). As the night spirals into chaos, Ponyboi seeks refuge and self-discovery amidst a world that constantly seeks to define him.

A Star in the Making

River Gallo, who also penned the screenplay, delivers a performance that is both raw and luminous. Their portrayal of Ponyboi is a masterclass in vulnerability and resilience, capturing the complexities of an intersex individual navigating a world that insists on categorization. Gallo's nuanced performance is the film's beating heart, elevating it beyond the confines of a typical crime thriller.

A Cast That Shines

Dylan O'Brien's portrayal of Vinny is a revelation. Departing from his usual roles, O'Brien embodies the sleazy, insecure mobster with a blend of menace and charm, making Vinny both repulsive and pitiable.

Victoria Pedretti, as Angel, Ponyboi's childhood friend and Vinny's pregnant girlfriend, delivers a performance that is both captivating and tragic. Her portrayal of Angel as a "Jersey girl with a heart of gold" adds depth to the character, making her more than just a trope. However, the film's structure sidelines Angel, relegating her to the periphery of Ponyboi's journey. This underutilization of Pedretti's talent is a missed opportunity, as her character's potential remains largely unexplored.

A Familiar Tale with a Unique Lens

The narrative of Ponyboi treads familiar ground-mobsters, betrayal, and survival-but through the lens of an intersex protagonist, it offers a fresh perspective. The film's exploration of identity, body politics, and societal expectations is poignant and timely. However, the film occasionally falters in its pacing and reliance on genre conventions, leading to moments that feel predictable.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Cinematographer Ed Wu crafts a visually arresting world, using neon hues and contrasting shadows to reflect Ponyboi's internal turmoil and the external chaos surrounding him. The film's aesthetic choices enhance its dreamlike quality, immersing the audience in Ponyboi's tumultuous journey.

Conclusion

Ponyboi is a bold and ambitious film that shines a much-needed spotlight on intersex narratives within the crime genre. While River Gallo's performance anchors the film, the underutilization of Victoria Pedretti's character is a notable shortcoming. Despite this, the film's exploration of identity and survival offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

"Ponyboi" isn't something new to the crime thriller genre but it does offer a new perspective from the trans community which was refreshing and includes good performances from the lead actor River Gallo, good neon vibe camerawork and tension throughout.

Filmmaker Esteban Arango improved his directing style and approach unlike his previous work "Blast Beat" which I didn't like as Arango does a good job on the neon 80's vibe, the tension, and the character interactions. The performances from the entire cast was really good and Dylan O'Brien really surprised me cause outside from The Maze Runner franchise, he offers some really good acting range.

The writing does have it's fault but the good performances, chemistry, and the solid dialogue moments helps to create a gritty thriller with some pretty good emotional moments between the themes of trans identity, desperation, life, and crime. Good soundtrack too.

This movie feels like a good throw back to the 80s crime thriller and overall, it was a fun time.

Ponyboi was born intersex, and takes (illegitimately obtained) testosterone to keep up his male identity. However, when he starts presenting as female, his formerly doting father throws him out. He is taken in by Vinny, working in Vinny's laundromat, but also as a "specialist interest" member of his harem of prostitutes. Vinny also makes drugs, and when a pickup from a major distributor goes bad, things go awry, with everyone chasing Poniboi on that Valentine Day's evening.

There are subplots, including Vinny's pregnant girlfriend Angel who he is two-timing (or more), Ponyboi's dying father who wants to reconcile, and a laundromat client who bonds with Poniboi over Bruce Springsteen.

This is a decent thriller, with moments of tenderness. What makes it original is the intersex angle, and River Gallo plays that part particularly well.