WISE Score
Avg. Tomatometer
A neon-soaked Jersey noir where an intersex sex worker dodges the mob and a messy past while looking for a way out on Valentine's Day.
5.781%
67
Ponyboi is a punchy, neon-drenched indie that manages to be a nail-biter and a soul-searcher at the same time. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it's a must-watch for anyone who wants their crime thrillers with a side of genuine human complexity.
Don't expect a clean, easy ride. It’s messy, sweaty, and occasionally brutal, but River Gallo’s presence keeps the whole thing grounded. It’s a bold piece of filmmaking that cares more about its characters than its body count.
This is a hard 17+. It’s a sophisticated, gritty indie film meant for adults and very mature older teens who can handle heavy themes of sex work, violence, and drug use.
The film deals heavily with sex work, drug deals, and organized crime. While it has an emotional core regarding self-discovery, the setting is intentionally gritty and far from wholesome.
It breaks the mold of the standard crime thriller by centering an intersex protagonist. The 'neon-soaked' cinematography and 'fever dream' pacing mentioned in reviews suggest a highly stylized, original vision.
This is strictly for adults. It features graphic depictions of the sex trade, mob violence, and drug use. Common Sense Media and other outlets peg this at 17+ for a reason.
It provides a rare and vital perspective on the intersex experience, moving beyond simple 'coming out' tropes into a complex, high-stakes narrative about survival and self-worth.
When we talk about 'Jersey movies,' we usually think of The Sopranos or Clerks. Ponyboi carves out a completely different space. It’s a 'rhinestone in the rough' that takes the familiar bones of a drug-deal-gone-wrong thriller and transplants them into the life of an intersex sex worker. This isn't just diversity for the sake of a checklist; it’s the engine that makes the story move.
River Gallo, who wrote and stars in the film, brings a level of authenticity that you just can't fake. There’s a vulnerability here that makes the high-stakes mob chase feel like more than just a genre exercise. You’re not just worried about Ponyboi getting caught; you’re worried about them losing their chance to finally be seen for who they are.
For parents whose kids grew up on Teen Wolf or The Maze Runner, seeing Dylan O'Brien here might be a shock. He’s leaning into a much darker, more complicated role that helps elevate the film's tension. The chemistry between the leads is what keeps the 'fever dream' from drifting too far into abstraction.
If you’re a fan of the Safdie brothers (Uncut Gems, Good Time), the pacing here will feel familiar. It’s frantic and stressful, but in a way that feels intentional. It’s the kind of movie that invites you to sit in the discomfort of its characters' lives, and while that makes it a tough watch for some, it’s also what makes it memorable.
Get a personalized guide on any topic
