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

80%

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

07/19/2025

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

@Okbullard 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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ira m

@Montyson 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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Aubrey P

@RT66504921 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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George Z

@Gzaver 08/07/2023

Riley Keough a terrific actress has made a solid and impressive directing debut with co-director Gina Gammell. I loved their simple and naturalistic directing style.  This authentic tale of two lost Lakota boys was done in the style of the neorealist films that I love; De Sica, Rossellini, and currently the Dardenne Brothers. With fine and subtle performances from the non-professional actors. Its realistic tone felt improvised, which it wasn't.  "War Pony" is a slice of life drama more than it is a strong narrative. The loose structure meanders at times, but it was the poetic tone and beautifully photographed surroundings that kept me engaged. Loved the score too!  Keough and Gammel show promise as first-time filmmakers. I look forward to seeing what they will do next.

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Daniel

08/02/2023

I mean its a slow, slow, slow burn ... that never really comes to a climax

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Gina Gammell

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Rotten Tomatoes Awards Tour Podcast

Riley Keough and Gina Gammell discuss Award-Winning Debut War Pony on The Awards Tour Podcast

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

34:21

War Pony: Trailer 1

1:47

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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