Ponies review: A terrific Cold War spy thriller that also has a lot of fun

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

If you loved the tense, Cold War atmosphere of The Americans, you’ll find a similar feeling in the new show, Ponies. It really captures that same vibe.

This engaging comedy-drama flips the typical spy story in two interesting ways. First, it’s set in Moscow, meaning Americans are the ones in danger of being discovered and punished by the Russians, a reversal of the usual scenario. Second, instead of disguising themselves as ordinary citizens, the spies simply try to act like they aren’t spies at all.

Often underestimated and lacking formal training, these women possess sharp instincts that those around them frequently overlook. In the business world, they’re often dismissed as insignificant, but can they manage to remain unnoticed?

Ponies is a quirky and funny drama set in a vividly depicted Soviet Union of the late 1970s. It paints a picture of a world filled with chilly public squares, men constantly smoking, and strong women with striking fashion choices.

Once the spy action really kicks in, though, that’s when the movie really shines. The KGB are genuinely terrifying villains, and you truly feel like the characters are in constant danger. There’s this amazing sense of dread and paranoia that just hangs over every shadowy scene – it’s fantastic!

This show centers around Bea and Twila, two very different women who are meant to become each other’s best friend and biggest support. Bea is intelligent and kind, with a talent for languages, while Twila is tough and fearless. They both want to learn from each other – Bea wants Twila’s confidence, and Twila wants Bea’s knowledge – hoping these new skills will help them navigate life’s challenges.

Clarke skillfully portrays Bea, starting with a naturally optimistic demeanor before revealing a hidden strength and resolve. Meanwhile, Richardson, known for her role in The White Lotus, delivers an even more compelling performance as Twila, a hardened woman shaped by a lifetime of betrayal and disappointment who feels she has nothing left to lose. Both characters are on the verge of experiencing genuine vitality for the first time.

While the women are the focus of ‘Ponies,’ the male characters provide strong support. Adrian Lester is delightful as Dane, a sophisticated former CIA agent who reacts with amused skepticism to Bea and Twila’s unusual methods. Artjom Gilz delivers a chilling performance as Andrei, a KGB agent whose quiet sadness makes him even more frightening. Patrick Fabian is funny as the pompous and self-interested CIA chief, and it’s cleverly hinted that he’s based on a young George H.W. Bush. Plus, Rob Delaney is scheduled to appear later, which is something to look forward to.

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Okay, seriously, the music in this is AMAZING. It starts with the very beginning of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Second Hand News’ while you’re seeing these guys with awesome ’70s mustaches meeting in secret, like something out of a spy movie, and then it just explodes into a car chase! And it’s not fancy cars, either – they’re driving these beat-up old Russian cars through a subway full of people! It’s such a cool, unexpected combination.

The soundtrack is packed with classic hits – think James Taylor, Todd Rundgren, and even Boney M! It really hits its stride when a montage of secret listening devices being built plays alongside a steamy scene between an American and a Russian, a pairing they’ll both soon come to regret. That’s when you know you’re fully immersed in the show’s Cold War atmosphere.

While ‘Ponies’ might not fully capture the serious tone of a classic spy thriller, it’s more likely to be because the show prioritizes entertainment. For now, we’ve gained something important.

Ponies launches on 22 May on Sky and NOW in the UK, and is streaming now on Peacock in the US.

Authors

Jack Seale

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2026-05-15 13:06