Ponyboi Review: Crime and Camp in New Jersey

      Note: This review was initially published as part of our coverage of Sundance 2024. Ponyboi is set to hit theaters on June 25.

      Ponyboi's (River Gallo) life has been anything but easy. He shares, “I was born a little different,” referring to his intersex identity (male-identifying/female-presenting), which caused his Salvadorian immigrant parents to reject him for not conforming to a traditional male role. After being on his own from a young age, Ponyboi eventually finds refuge with Vinny (Dylan O’Brien), a pimp using a laundromat as a front for his drug operation. Yet Ponyboi yearns for romance and a life that resembles a Marlboro advertisement envisioned by Lisa Frank.

      While engaging with the unpleasant men who fetishize and pay for his services, he escapes into a bright, glittery dream. Everyone has their own desires regarding Ponyboi, but no one cares about his. His dream is to be rescued by a tender cowboy, which makes it hard for him to believe when he first sees Bruce (Murray Bartlett), a rugged figure reminiscent of vintage Americana, gently smile at him as he enters the laundromat. Entranced by this dreamy persona, Ponyboi is taken aback when Bruce says, “I want to hear you.”

      However, after this fantasy encounter, reality hits hard when Ponyboi finds himself next to the lifeless body of a mobster client who died from the poor-quality crystal meth that Vinny produced for him. Terrified and hunted by Vinny, who is also being chased by the dead mobster's henchmen, Ponyboi decides to escape to Las Vegas. Luckily, he encounters Bruce again, who offers him a ride in exchange for one thing: “I want to get to know you.”

      The unique blend of traditional crime elements with whimsical romantic moments resonates well; it reflects Ponyboi’s distinct outlook on life. Gallo, who penned the screenplay, provides a perspective previously unseen—someone who grapples with a world that insists he adhere to its expectations. This theme extends to the film’s style, marked by stark contrasts between Ponyboi's encounters with Vinny’s violent lifestyle and the heartfelt scenes shared with Bruce (as drag artist Chiquitita serenades them to Kali Uchis’ “Melting” in a bar), all seamlessly woven together by director Esteban Arango.

      The thriller set in New Jersey maintains an engaging pace, constantly presenting challenges for its protagonist. This narrative also reflects Ponyboi’s reluctance to confront his father and the impact of his rejection. Gallo skillfully sidesteps simplistic psychology, establishing that Ponyboi is not a representation of intersex individuals as a whole, but rather a unique fictional character. Instead of making Ponyboi’s anatomy the focal point of the story, Gallo thoughtfully illustrates the specific challenges faced by an intersex individual. The moment Ponyboi realizes he needs to gather hormones before his escape is initially amusing, presenting yet another “now what?” dilemma while also serving as an educational moment without being preachy.

      Gallo effectively shows how characters from underrepresented backgrounds can exist beyond the confines of societal expectations. This approach not only benefits the film but also highlights Gallo’s versatility as an actor across various genres conveyed through the thrilling screenplay they created. Anyone who watches Ponyboi will likely conclude that there is little Gallo cannot accomplish. Their charm and screen presence alone make the film worth seeing.

      Beyond Gallo’s stellar performance, the film features a talented cast delivering remarkable performances. Bartlett continues to be a joy, exploring diverse aspects of subversive masculinity, while Indya Moore leaves a lasting impression in a brief but memorable role as Ponyboi’s rival, evoking the surreal intensity of Mulholland Dr. However, it may be O’Brien who astonishes most viewers—especially those familiar with him from Teen Wolf—as the eccentric Vinny. He unapologetically portrays the inherent fragility of men while embodying the role of "a man." By commodifying women and then displaying vulnerability in bed with Ponyboi, he transforms the concept of masculinity into something both exhausting and absurd. How can individuals like Vinny, who hide their true selves behind numerous facades, presume to demand anything from Ponyboi?

      Ponyboi premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.