Jojo Bapteise Whiting and Ladainian Crazy Thunder star in the drama War Pony, as two young Lakota boys coming-of-age on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation as they grapple with a world built against them and navigate unique paths to manhood.

Also starring in the film are Jesse Schmockel, Sprague Hollander, Wilma Colhof, Iona Red Bear, Woodrow Lone Elk, Ta-Yamni Long Black Cat, Jeremy Corbin Cottier and Ashley Shelton.

Release Date

Directed by Riley Keough (granddaughter of Elvis Presley) and Gina Gammell, both making their feature directorial debuts, War Pony world premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival where it won the Caméra d’Or prize; and opens in theaters and on demand with a release date of July 28

Synopsis

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

Reviews

In their review, Time Out raved about co-director Kiley Keough, writing, “You may know Keough as the granddaughter of legendary rockstar Elvis Presley, but with this compelling co-directorial debut, it’s clear that Keough is on a mission to carve out her own path in Hollywood.”

“War Pony is at times unflinchingly gritty, reminiscent of other coming-of-age films like Mid90s and Kids that display the resilience of children dealing with issues way above their pay grade – but that’s about as far as the similarities go. Instead of always despairing, or trying to be provocative in its display of troubling behaviour, War Pony is brimming with cautious optimism.”

Guardian gave the film 4 of 5 stars, and also gave kudos to Keough writing, “You may know Keough as the granddaughter of legendary rockstar Elvis Presley, but with this compelling co-directorial debut, it’s clear that Keough is on a mission to carve out her own path in Hollywood.”

Official Trailer

Watch the official trailer for War Pony.