War Pony

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1:47

War Pony

R

2023

1h 55m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

55 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

At 23, Bill (Jojo Bapteise Whiting) just wants to make something of himself. Whether it's siphoning gas, delivering goods or breeding Poodles, he is determined to hustle his way to the "American Dream". Meanwhile, 12-year-old Matho (LaDainian Crazy Thunder) can't wait to become a man. Desperate for approval from his young father, a series of impulsive decisions turns Matho's life upside down and he finds himself unequipped to deal with the harsh realities of the adult world.

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Critics Consensus

With subtlety and authenticity, War Pony tracks the lives of two young Indigenous men and cements the two women behind the lens, Riley Keough and Gina Gammell, as talents to watch.

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Sergio Burstein

Los Angeles Times

10/05/2023

A polished staging of an 'indie' character, but with a careful visual composition that reinforces this impression without leaving aside its artistic sense. [Full review in Spanish]

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Ty Burr

Ty Burr's Watch List (Substack)

08/04/2023

3.5/4

Filmed on the traditional homelands of the Oceti Sakowin and Tongva Peoples, “War Pony” feels lived in, and lived hard.

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David Fear

Rolling Stone

07/28/2023

The film’s ability to take those genre beats and occasionally tweak them, twist them, and add something regionally specific to them keeps this from being just another tale of desperate decisions and tough times.

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Cameron Ritter

Geek Vibes Nation

Jul 19

7.5/10

A gut-punching glimpse into parts of life on a Native reservation. On the surface, War Pony could be the story of anyone from small-town America, but the layers of appalling history bring a unique weight that is difficult to ignore.

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David Bax

Battleship Pretension

10/24/2024

Like its subjects, War Pony is one of a kind.

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Ross McIndoe

The Skinny

07/04/2024

4/5

The result is a film that is both unflinchingly gritty and wistfully dreamlike, mischievously funny and achingly melancholy. A film that feels alive in a full, unfiltered way.

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KB B

04/20/2024

I thought this was a very worthwhile movie to experience. It's sad how many native Americans are forced to live. It's worth the watch.

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Almendra A

03/15/2024

The soundtrack was lit

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ira m

03/14/2024

Very sensitive depiction of life in the Rez but also the coming of age for Matho. I've read it was totally scripted but it feels very natural and seems improvised. Nice going to everyone involved.

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Paul L

03/12/2024

This movie is good, great realisation and we can really see the emotions of the characters through the screen.

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Aubrey P

12/09/2023

Really stellar. Acting is genuine and wonderful all around. This film somehow manages to merge a slice-of-life style indie with a satisfying, full-circle plot. It's exceptionally skilled at showing, not telling. Tension abounds, comments on society abound, perspectives on masculinity abound, and yet, nary a word on any are ever spoken. Masterful, and on the level with any intellectual indie.

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Jim V

11/18/2023

The movie is pointless. It tries to show how hard life is on Native American reservations, but shows Native Americans as unwilling to improve their situation and preying on each other. There is no hope, there is nothing inspiring, it doesn't help the viewer to understand the plight of Native Americans who deserve much better. The end tries to inspire some hope but it is so random and still manages to depict Native Americans negatively. The only highlight is Redbone's classic song Come and Get Your Love. There are much better movies about life on Native American reservations like Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and Wind River.

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Riley Keough

Director

Gina Gammell

Director

Jojo Bapteise Whiting

Bill

LaDainian Crazy Thunder

Matho

Ashley Shelton

Allison

Robert Stover

Colton

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Riley Keough and Gina Gammel Break Down Their Friendship and The Making of 'War Pony'

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War Pony: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

At 23, Bill (Jojo Bapteise Whiting) just wants to make something of himself. Whether it's siphoning gas, delivering goods or breeding Poodles, he is determined to hustle his way to the "American Dream". Meanwhile, 12-year-old Matho (LaDainian Crazy Thunder) can't wait to become a man. Desperate for approval from his young father, a series of impulsive decisions turns Matho's life upside down and he finds himself unequipped to deal with the harsh realities of the adult world.

Director: Riley Keough, Gina Gammell
Producer: Ryan Zacarias, Sacha Ben Harroche, Gina Gammell, Riley Keough
Screenwriter: Riley Keough, Gina Gammell, Bill Reddy, Franklin Sioux Bob
Distributor: Momentum Pictures
Production Co: Kaleidoscope Entertainment, Doco Digital, Protagonist Pictures
Rating: R (Some Violence|Pervasive Language|Drug and Alcohol Use)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 28, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 28, 2023
Runtime: 1h 55m

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