Ponies Review: Emilia Clarke’s Throwback Cold War Spy Thriller-Dramedy Mostly Works

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The spy thriller Ponies evokes the same sense of unease as classic films like The Conversation. From the creators of Booksmart, Mad Men, and Mr. Robot, it’s a surprisingly unpredictable show. Balancing dark humor with genuinely moving moments, Ponies offers a clever and often absurd look at the world of undercover work in Moscow, seen through the eyes of two American secretaries.

Starring Emilia Clarke, known from Game of Thrones, and with a strong performance by Haley Lu Richardson, Ponies offers a fun and unusual take on the spy genre. Creators Susana Fogel and David Isherwood aimed to capture the spirit of classic spy films – those made before the rise of streaming services – and present a fresh perspective, particularly in a field historically dominated by male leads.

Ponies Perfectly Recreates Cold War Russia

Ponies is an unusual choice for viewers, no matter what kind of entertainment they usually enjoy. While advertised as a spy thriller, the film spends a lot of time introducing Bea and Twila – American women married to embassy staff in Moscow who are secretly working undercover. It shifts between traditional spy themes, somewhat random plot points, and a more intricate character study. Though messy and unpredictable, this approach ultimately gives Ponies a unique and interesting quality.

As a film and TV buff, I think the show really nails the atmosphere of Russia during that time – the underlying paranoia is crucial to its appeal. You can feel the economic hardship, but what’s fascinating is how the characters almost shrug it off with their humor. It’s like everyone in Moscow has subconsciously learned to blend in, to not draw attention to themselves because of the ever-present KGB. Honestly, that subtle body language – that feeling of trying to disappear – is what makes Ponies so much better than anything else I’ve seen on Peacock lately. It’s that detail that really elevates the whole thing.

The show’s music and atmosphere immediately transport you to a different era – a time when women faced significant inequality and were often limited to secretarial roles. This realistic portrayal of the past is far more impactful than any number of musical cues, and it powerfully sets the stage for the central conflict as Bea and Twila begin to challenge the established order.

This Spy Thriller Has Shades of a Redford Classic

This story explores hidden identities and secret encounters, focusing on relationships built during difficult times. While it might seem lighthearted at first, like with Ponies, it touches on a world where being watched is the norm, not something unusual. Some viewers might initially be turned off by this seemingly simple approach, but it’s worth sticking with it.

The show Ponies is keeping viewers guessing just like its characters are constantly deceiving each other. Everyone seems to be hiding their true intentions, saying one thing while meaning another. The initial impression of a happy, normal family is a facade, constantly shifting and changing the game for the audience.

Because the show needs to work on many different levels, the actors fully commit to this complexity. Ponies constantly keeps the audience guessing, using clever twists and turns within the scenes themselves. When it aims for a darker tone, it clearly draws inspiration from classic Cold War thrillers and often succeeds in capturing that same suspenseful feeling.

This Female Tag Team Is Formidable

The film’s success hinges on the talents of Haley Lu Richardson, Adrian Lester, and Emilia Clarke, known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones. While Clarke is experienced with complex characters, her portrayal of Bea is surprisingly understated. In the beginning, she cleverly plays the part of someone naive and out of her depth, leading the audience to underestimate her resourcefulness and ability to thrive independently.

Compared to Richardson’s dynamic performance, Bea’s might seem more subdued. While Bea drives most of the plot forward, Twila feels more authentic and relatable. It’s possible Emilia Clarke’s previous roles contribute to this, but ultimately, Richardson is the more memorable performer.

Haley Lu Richardson delivers a captivating performance, effortlessly moving between playful moments and genuine emotion. Her character, Twila, projects unwavering confidence, but underneath lies a complex and vulnerable personality. Throughout the first season, Twila proves to be a surprisingly strong and valuable character, with her growth stemming from deeply personal experiences.

As a movie fan, I immediately saw shades of Natasha Lyonne in the character of Twila. She’s got that cool, slightly rebellious vibe – think ‘hippy chic’ meets seriously street smart. The setup – forced to create a normal life in Moscow – felt like something Lyonne would absolutely nail in another role. Both actresses just have this inherent strength and a refusal to be boxed in, which makes them perfect for characters who forge their own path. Compared to Bea’s seemingly perfect marriage, Twila is a total breath of fresh air. Honestly, though, when you look at all the allies and enemies these female agents have, it feels almost…easy. Like a day at the beach, compared to what they’re dealing with.

One KGB Agent Raises the Bar

The series features a particularly strong performance by Artjom Gilz, who plays KGB official Andrei Vasiliev in Ponies. While he’s known for his other roles, his portrayal of the deceptive Andrei is truly impressive. Andrei is a charismatic and sophisticated character who immediately establishes a strong presence with his determined attitude and hidden motives. He’s a master manipulator, capable of both charm and surprising brutality, driven by ruthless ambition.

Andrei seems to perfectly fit the typical Russian stereotype, but he’s actually a surprisingly complex character – as complicated as anyone at the US embassy. While many in the Soviet system are incompetent, Andrei’s ambition drives him to climb the ladder, no matter the cost. He’s a master of deception, just like many in Moscow, and his charismatic facade hides a dangerous side. He’s a powerful bully who uses his influence without conscience, and he essentially represents the moral emptiness at the heart of this story.

In contrast, Adrian Lester deliberately tones down his natural charm when playing Dane, the American station chief, portraying him as emotionally detached. Previously known for his role as Destiny, in Ponies he acts as a supportive guide for Bea and Twila as they adjust, offering both mentorship and a sense of seriousness to the story, keeping it grounded. He also reveals impactful details of his own that add depth without stealing the spotlight.

Adrian Lester and Artjom Gilz have a compelling rivalry that fits well with the show’s other intense pairings. They’re opponents who secretly respect each other and are helping to define the show’s overall character. This series is built around themes of Cold War-era distrust, and it’s a show viewers will be glad they discovered.

A Spy Thriller Free from AI Makes for a Refreshing Change

At first glance, Ponies seems like a standard spy thriller, but it surprisingly grows on you. Despite appearing average, the show boasts a surprising amount of depth and compelling storytelling, making it worthwhile. It starts with a classic mismatched partners setup, and just when you think you know where it’s going, the plot takes an unexpected turn.

The charming chemistry between Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson is a major draw, but it’s not the only reason Ponies could become a surprisingly popular show on Peacock. What really sets this series apart is its nuanced tone – it seamlessly blends dramatic and comedic moments with impressive skill.

With tensions between the US and Russia high, it might seem strange to revisit this story, but there are still compelling reasons to do so. It offers a glimpse back to a simpler time, before the complexities of digital surveillance and AI-generated misinformation. Whatever draws you to it, don’t miss this remarkable piece – and remember where you heard about it.

Ponies premieres on January 15.

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2026-01-14 21:13