W2TCH

War Pony (2023)

2023 • 1h 54m • Drama • R
On September 24, 2026
#20156▼ 2104
20156th by Pulse movie online
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All reviews

CinemaSerf on War Pony

6/10 · Jun 14, 2023

The movie initially presents a compelling look at the lives of two young men coming of age on the Pine Ridge reservation, home to the Oglala Lakota tribe in rural South Dakota. The narrative largely focuses on "Bill" (played by JoJo Bapteise Whiting), who is dealing with multiple girlfriends, two children, and a desire to acquire and raise a rather scruffy-looking poodle! When he encounters a prosperous farmer whose car has stalled, he recognizes an opportunity to earn some money. They quickly form a connection, and soon "Bill" finds himself producing turkey jerky in large quantities. Simultaneously, the younger "Matho" (portrayed by LaDainian Crazy Thunder) is banished from his father's house after he and his companions inadvertently disrupted a cocaine operation by substituting Epsom salts into the distribution system. Both storylines depict the men, their families, and friends attempting to survive within a community that feels almost like an empty shell. Aside from the poodle subplot, there’s a distinct lack of structure or purpose in their lives; opportunities are limited, and family bonds seem to hold only when it's advantageous. It’s ultimately a disheartening story, and I found myself questioning whether it should have been made at all, except for its focus on Native American experiences. Despite the increasingly somber tone, there’s something appealing about Whiting's portrayal of the troubled "Bill"—a man who seems to genuinely want to break free from their bleak reality. The conclusion feels underwhelming and rather absurd, and overall, the film moves slowly across its two-hour runtime with a subdued musical score. It’s acceptable viewing, but it doesn’t quite reach greatness.

Source on TMDB