IMDb's 2024 Sundance Cheat Sheet: The Festival Films You Need to Know About6 of 12
Ponyboi
Based on their short film of the same name, writer-star River Gallo was inspired to write 'Ponyboi' by their experiences growing up intersex in New Jersey, calling the state "my biggest muse." In the first narrative film created by and starring an out intersex person, Gallo stars as Ponyboi, an intersex runaway who works at a laundromat and makes ends meet as sex worker. Gallo’s lived experience is sandwiched within a crime thriller plot involving a drug deal-gone-wrong—a plot-twist that invites some problematic tropes to the party. The scenes of abuse and violence could make it difficult for this film to find a broader audience, but the feature is beautifully shot and bolstered by incredible performances from both Gallo and Dylan O’Brien (playing the ultimate dirtbag, Vinny), with added star power from Victoria Pedretti and Murray Bartlett.
Based on their short film of the same name, writer-star River Gallo was inspired to write 'Ponyboi' by their experiences growing up intersex in New Jersey, calling the state "my biggest muse." In the first narrative film created by and starring an out intersex person, Gallo stars as Ponyboi, an intersex runaway who works at a laundromat and makes ends meet as sex worker. Gallo’s lived experience is sandwiched within a crime thriller plot involving a drug deal-gone-wrong—a plot-twist that invites some problematic tropes to the party. The scenes of abuse and violence could make it difficult for this film to find a broader audience, but the feature is beautifully shot and bolstered by incredible performances from both Gallo and Dylan O’Brien (playing the ultimate dirtbag, Vinny), with added star power from Victoria Pedretti and Murray Bartlett.
PeopleDylan O'Brien, River Gallo
TitlesPonyboi