Dive Into the World of Ponyboi: An Interview with River Gallo and Dylan O’Brien
Get ready to saddle up for an enlightening ride in Ponyboi, the latest film from River Gallo, who not only penned the script but also stars in the film. Expanding on their acclaimed 2019 short, Gallo tantalizes audiences in this gripping crime thriller that weaves together themes of identity, love, and survival—served with a side of intrigue.
A Bold Concept Meets Star Power
Directed by Esteban Arango, Ponyboi features an impressive cast including Dylan O’Brien, Victoria Pedretti, and Indya Moore. The film follows the journey of the titular character, Ponyboi, an intersex sex worker caught in a chaos of betrayal when their secret lover and pimp, Vinnie (played by O’Brien), mishandles a dangerous drug deal. Packed with suspense, the story explores deep emotional wounds alongside thrilling escapades.
Speaking with River Gallo and Dylan O’Brien, the creative vision behind Ponyboi comes into sharper focus. Gallo, the film’s genius architect, recounts their writing process—a journey that involved quiet moments in bustling libraries and the eerie atmosphere of motels in New Jersey.
River Gallo: From Concept to Creation
Gallo reflects on the evolution of Ponyboi, stating, “From my days in theater at NYU to navigating a tough film school experience, this character followed me everywhere.” The film emerges from Gallo’s own experiences growing up intersex, allowing the narrative to resonate authenticity while addressing larger societal issues.
“I knew I had to bring my story to life,” Gallo adds. It’s not just about creating a film; it’s about claiming a space in an industry often dominated by traditional narratives.
Dylan O’Brien: Finding His Rhythm
O’Brien, known for roles in Teen Wolf and The Maze Runner, brings a raw vibrance to Vinnie. He reveals his instant connection to the script and character, crediting Gallo’s trust in him as a key motivating factor.
“I dove in headfirst. Once we got into the costumes and the look, it all just clicked,” he says. The synergy between Gallo and O’Brien enhances the film’s authenticity, making their on-screen chemistry palpable.
Musical Moments: A Cinematic Highlight
Let’s talk music—Ponyboi doesn’t shy away from letting its characters belt out a tune. Gallo’s character showcases their voice with a stirring rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire.” But here’s the twist: the rights to the song initially fell through, putting a major scene in jeopardy. Gallo wrote a heartfelt letter to Springsteen himself, ultimately winning the legend’s approval just days before the film’s final cut. Talk about a power move!
O’Brien has his time to shine, too—he raps in the film. Gallo shares, “I just wrote ‘bad rap goes here,’ and Dylan ran with it.” O’Brien adds, “It was a blast crafting something authentic to my character.”
The Verdict
Ponyboi is a groundbreaking film that isn’t just about survival but also about understanding oneself in a world full of chaos. It premieres in select theaters on June 27—and trust us, you don’t want to miss this captivating story filled with heart, grit, and an exciting musical flair.
So grab your popcorn and prepare for an experience that promises to both entertain and challenge the way you see identity in cinema. In the words of Springsteen, this one’s going to set your heart on fire!
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