Title: Ponyboi
Year: 2025
Rating: 0
Cast: River Gallo, Dylan O'Brien, Victoria Pedretti
Description: The neon glow of a New Jersey Valentine's Day bleeds into the raw vulnerability of Esteban Arango's "Ponyboi," a film that transcends its gritty premise to explore the profound complexities of identity and survival. River Gallo delivers a powerhouse performance as the intersex sex worker navigating a treacherous night, his resilience a stark contrast to the brutal world he inhabits. Dylan O'Brien and Victoria Pedretti offer compelling supporting roles, adding layers to the already rich tapestry of this narrative. Arango masterfully crafts a tense atmosphere, the ever-present threat of the mob mirroring the internal struggles of the protagonist. "Ponyboi" isn't just a crime thriller; it's a visceral exploration of self-discovery against the backdrop of a Valentine's Day far removed from romantic ideals, a poignant reminder that love and survival are often inextricably linked. This isn't just a movie; it's an experience.