Sundance Review: 'Ponyboi' Is a First for Intersex Representation Onscreen

By Sara Clements | Film | February 1, 2024 |

By Sara Clements | Film | February 1, 2024 |

In 2019, Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry executive produced a short film titled Ponyboi that was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival. It marked the first time an intersex actor played an intersex person on screen. Now in 2024 at the Sundance Film Festival, Ponyboi became the first narrative feature film created by and starring an intersex person. “I firmly believe ‘Ponyboi’ is poised to start a societal revolution…” the film’s star and writer, River Gallo, says in the film’s press notes. By playing the titular character, Gallo takes on a role that reflects greatly on their own experience.

Diagnosed with anorchia, a rare condition where testicles are absent at birth, they were forced to undergo surgery to become a “normal” boy. The trauma of undergoing cosmetic surgery and testosterone treatment, without consent, lead to an identity crisis. “I spent years hiding my true identity,” they continue. Belonging under the intersex umbrella, Gallo is a part of the 1.7% that is faced with stigmatization and non-consensual violations that leave many emotional scars. Directed by Esteban Arango, Ponyboi explores all of this in a very personal and uplifting way.

Thanks to the presence of a pink Motorola Razr, the neon-drenched grunge of the film’s scenes can be placed in the early 2000s. Through the underbelly of New Jersey, the story follows the titular character (Gallo) who, along with his friend, Angel (Victoria Pedretti), works in a laundromat that happens to be a front for drugs and sex work. Angel’s boyfriend, Vinny (Dylan O’Brien), a skeezy pimp and drug dealer, has Ponyboi turning tricks and pushing his shitty meth. When Ponyboi is involved in a mob boss’s brother’s death, caused by Vinny’s bad drugs, Vinny has guns pointed at his head while he hunts down Ponyboi.

“You look like a cowboy,” a father says as he places a cowboy hat on his son’s head. Images of horses flash onto the screen - a symbol of the patriarchy. Ponyboi wakes up in a sweat. This is a nightmare with personal history. Amid all the drugs, guns, and sex, Ponyboi learns that his estranged father is on his deathbed and wants forgiveness. The film flashes back to haunting memories of Ponyboi as a child on a surgical table. The hatred his father dealt and the rift his gender caused have stuck with Ponyboi for years and it might be impossible to forgive. Enter a mysterious cowboy named Bruce (Murray Bartlett). Their scenes together are filmed much like the dream sequences, drenched in hues of yellow. Bruce is seemingly a representation of both Ponyboi’s daddy issues and a symbol of traditional gender and masculinity. This mysterious character propels Ponyboi on a quest for liberation - with Vinny hot on his heels.

Taking place over 24 hours, Ponyboi does feel familiar plot-wise with its drug deal gone wrong and protagonist on the run. However, amidst the violent and criminal environment, the film presents a thought-provoking and personal story of an individual who yearns for a fresh start and acceptance in society. While each actor’s performance is noteworthy (especially O’Brien’s transformation into a detestable pimp), it is Gallo’s portrayal of a character struggling with his identity that steals the show. Their performance is visceral and captivating as the heart and soul of the film.

Ponyboi is an incredibly important work and one that will hopefully pave the way for more intersex representation on screen. LGBTQIA+ films must not be limited to the first three letters (and they should include BIPOC performers and creators, too). Regardless of our sexual orientation, we can all relate to not knowing who we are supposed to be or feeling like our identities are being shaped by what society deems acceptable. The journey of taking control and healing is what Ponyboi is all about. It’s about breaking free of the chains that bind us.