Ponyboi is a bold and emotionally raw American thriller set to release on June 27, 2025. Directed by Esteban Arango and written by River Gallo, the film is an expansion of Gallo’s acclaimed 2019 short and features a powerhouse cast including Dylan O’Brien, Victoria Pedretti, Murray Bartlett, Indya Moore, and Gallo in the lead role.
The story unfolds on Valentine’s Day in New Jersey, following Ponyboi, a young intersex sex worker trying to survive the harsh realities of his world. He works at a laundromat alongside his pregnant best friend, Angel, and navigates a complex, secret relationship with Vinnie—his pimp, lover, and Angel’s baby’s father. When a drug deal turns deadly, Ponyboi is forced on the run from the mob, launching a desperate journey of self-discovery, resilience, and redemption.
The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and is known for its gritty realism, LGBTQ+ representation, and intense emotional stakes.
Ponyboi Age Rating
Ponyboi is rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, drug use, pervasive language, and some violence. This R rating means the film is restricted to viewers 17 and older unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Here’s a detailed breakdown for parents:
Violence
The film contains moderate violence, primarily connected to drug-related conflicts and domestic abuse. While there are no extended fight scenes or graphic gore, there are several threatening situations and brief moments of physical aggression that may unsettle younger viewers. The mob pursuit storyline adds a layer of psychological tension and danger.
Language
Profanity is pervasive throughout the film. Expect frequent and intense use of strong language, including multiple uses of the F-word and other explicit terms. The dialogue reflects the raw, unfiltered reality of the characters’ lives.
Sexual Content
Sexual content is severe and integral to the story. The film features several scenes of sexual activity, including depictions of sex work, nudity, and emotionally charged intimate encounters. These scenes are explicit and may be uncomfortable for sensitive viewers. Themes of transactional sex, exploitation, and desire are explored in depth.
Mature Themes
Ponyboi delves into highly mature and emotionally complex themes, including identity, trauma, abandonment, gender dysphoria, addiction, and survival. The film portrays the life of a marginalized intersex character with unflinching honesty, highlighting systemic oppression, internal conflict, and resilience. Parental discretion is strongly advised due to the film’s psychological weight and adult subject matter.
Substance Use
Substance use is severe and depicted throughout. Characters are shown using drugs, including hard substances, in both casual and high-stress scenarios. Drug trafficking and addiction are central to the narrative and often portrayed in explicit, distressing ways. Alcohol and cigarette use are also present.
Is Ponyboi Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The film’s explicit sexual content, drug use, and profanity make it entirely inappropriate for preteens. The subject matter is too mature, and the emotional themes may be confusing or disturbing for younger viewers.
Ages 13–17: Not recommended. Even for older teens, Ponyboi may be too intense. Graphic sexual situations, drug-fueled violence, and heavy themes of trauma and exploitation make it a challenging viewing experience. While the film’s LGBTQ+ representation is significant and empowering, the delivery is emotionally and visually explicit.
Ponyboi is best suited for adult audiences or very mature older teens with strong emotional awareness and the ability to process complex, dark material.
What Parents Can Do
Pre-Screen the Film: Watch the movie first to assess its suitability based on your teen’s maturity.
Discuss Difficult Topics: Use the film as a springboard to talk about gender identity, consent, exploitation, and substance abuse in a sensitive and supportive environment.
Support Open Dialogue: Encourage teens to ask questions and share their thoughts, especially if they relate to the film’s themes or representation.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Ponyboi?
A: The film is rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, drug use, pervasive language, and some violence.
Q: Does Ponyboi have graphic sexual scenes?
A: Yes, the film includes several sexually explicit scenes and depictions of sex work, making it inappropriate for younger audiences.
Q: Is there violence in the film?
A: There is moderate violence, mostly tied to drug-related conflicts and moments of physical threat, but not extreme gore.
Q: What are the film’s most mature themes?
A: The film explores intersex identity, trauma, addiction, abandonment, and survival within an oppressive and abusive environment.
Q: Is Ponyboi appropriate for LGBTQ+ teens?
A: While the film offers rare and meaningful intersex representation, its explicit content and intensity may not be suitable for all LGBTQ+ teens. Parental discretion is advised.
Q: When and where can I watch Ponyboi?
A: Ponyboi releases in U.S. theaters on June 27, 2025, via Fox Entertainment Studios and Gathr.