Synopsis
On Swift Horses is a romantic period drama set in the 1950s American Southwest. The film follows the emotional and psychological development of the three main characters: Muriel, Lee, and Julius. Lee, who fought in the Korean War, marries Muriel and attempts to lead a normal, middle-class life in San Diego. A more stable life, however, is shattered the moment Lee’s younger brother Julius comes to live with them.
Cleaver, Lee, and Muriel’s life begins with him fuiling the fragile order they had built. Muriel is quiet and more curious than anything. She is longing for a life outside of the cage of a housewife she is inching her way towards, the “nesting” the world expects her to to embrace. Lee is earnest, and does love Muriel, is willing to provide her with a life however traditional, his love is blinds to her deeper world. Julius is the opposite, untamed, a man of instincts and life by sheer will, untethered to the world’s shackling. His relationship with Lee and Muriel is like a storm breaking their dam.
As for Julius, his first break is to leave for a world of his dreams, and for him that split comes in the form of moving to Las Vegas. There, the world of casinos, gambling, and shadow becomes his new home. His arrival does not go unnoticed, and he begins to date Jack, who is reserved and thoughtful but works at a bigtime local casino as a surveillance officer. Their romance that has been kept under the radar for so long is regretfully the film’s emotional center.
At the same time, Muriel finds her unique way to rebel. While working as a waitress, she bets on horse races after overhearing conversations between some former jockeys. She begins winning and manages to hide her winnings from Lee. In addition, she begins to develop a closer relationship with her neighbor, Sandra. This woman provides Muriel with companionship and even the potential for romance. These plotlines—quietly awakening Muriel and Julius’s daring quest for love—mirror and illuminate one another, gradually building towards a convergence that feels both bittersweet and inevitable.
Cast & Crew
As his other works, the newly released On Swift Horses is directed by Daniel Minahan. Along with other successful TV shows, this film marks a transition from his work in high-profile television to feature-length. Minahan’s direction is patient and textured, grounded in the interplay of his characters. The screenplay is written by Bryce Kass, adapted from the novel of the same name by Shannon Pufahl. Although the novel is set in a specific period of time, the themes of secrecy, desire, and personal freedom make it timeless.
Main Cast:
Daisy Edgar-Jones as Muriel: She portrays a character that is both subtle and layered. Through grace, Muriel’s internal conflict and transformation is successfully conveyed.
On Swift Horses Cast and Crew
Will Poulter as Lee: A character battling to regain some semblance of purpose as a fierce war veteran. Poulter delivers a genuine performance, but he is outshined by the more engrossing journeys of Muriel and Julius.
Jacob Elordi as Julius: Elordi adds charm and sensitivity to the character. He is reckless, but inexplicably deeply relatable. A difficult role, and Elordi nails every aspect of it.
Diego Calva as Henry: Calva has a subdued yet fervent performance as the love interest of Julius, providing a calm but powerful anchor to their emotional arc.
Sasha Calle as Sandra: She is a source of solace and allure, fulfilling the role of Muriel’s friend and perhaps more. Calle’s warm and supportive performance is understated but fully realized.
Other Crew:
Cinematography by Luc Montpellier: Portrays mid-century America with the poignantly nostalgic colors and rich, carefully framed shots. Cinematography is as much a part of the expressiveness of this story as is the dialogue.
Music by Mark Orton: Includes an original piece by Loren Kramar and Sean O’Brien, remarquably adds to the emotional weight and feel of the time.
Critical Reception & Analysis
On Swift Horses received a confusing blend of critique but skewed more positive overall. It earned praise for acting, particularly Elordi and Edgar-Jones, and for the cinematography and overall mood of the film. Some critics, however, were more focused on the slow pacing of the film, as well as the overt symbolism employed.
Some viewers praised the film’s “emotionally intelligent” aspects, while others criticized it for being “overwritten” in some areas. Its first hour has received particular acclaim, being noted for its structure, visuals, and emotional impact. Critically, the Las Vegas segments with Julius’s plotline were deemed especially strong.
The film’s portrayal of queer romance has received notable attention, particularly for the tenderness and emotional complexity of Julius and Henry’s bond. It stands in stark contrast to more politicized LGBTQ+ stories, choosing to focus on the intimate identities of two men in a harsh time.
Some have noted the parallels between Muriel’s storyline and that of the classic trapped heroines, yearning for a more adventurous life. Her quiet and introspective journey balances the chaotic exterior of Julius’s storyline.
Themes & Symbolism
One of the film’s central metaphors are the horse; fierce, free, and swift in its movements. This acts as a symbol of both freedom and danger. Muriel gambling on horse races becomes an act of quiet rebellion. Julius, in a sense, is also a swift horse; he is a “swift horse” in that he is elusive, always on the move to the unknown.
The title reflects the emotional tone of the film: beautiful, but fleeting; wild, but fragile. The characters all seek freedom of some sort: Muriel from domestic expectations, Julius from rejection, Henry from silence, and Lee from his unspoken traumatic experiences.
The film also looks at the life of duality. Muriel isolates herself from Lee, but has another life through her secret bets and growing attachment to Sandra. Julius has another version of himself outside of his public life through his romance with Henry. These dualities are never resolved, contributing to the film’s melancholic tone.
Visual Style
On Swift Horses is visually set in the past but has a dreamy aesthetic. The production design is warm and authentic to the post-war 1950s America, featuring diners, racetracks, dusty highways, and neon-lit casinos. Each scene’s emotional temperature and the lighting and color palette are synchronized; muted browns and oranges during tense moments, brighter pastels and deep reds during moments of clarity.
The camera work is meditative and calm, enhancing the emotional weight of a glance and silence. The characters’ deep, emotional connection and the vast distances between them is often juxtaposed against wide, lonely landscapes.
Final Verdict
On Swift Horses does not qualify as a drama that is high-paced nor does it contain too much action or too many plot twists. As a reflection of a deeply emotional story, it showcases the limits of love, the danger of secrets, and the pursuit of freedom. Rather than focusing on a singular dramatic event, the film emphasizes the characters, the atmosphere, and the themes.
If you like films that unfold slowly, examine the emotional intricacies and tell a story visually, this film is a rewarding experience. Jacob Elordi delivers what may be his most mature and emotionally vulnerable performance to date, while Daisy Edgar-Jones confirms her strength as a leading actress capable of anchoring complex emotional material.
Even though the film is not flawless, its narrative pacing and and the use of too many symbols may annoy some viewers. Through its honesty, artistry, and powerful performances, the film manages to stand out as a contemporary queer cinema as well as a period drama.
IMDb Rating
The film holds a rating of 6/10 on IMDb which captures its split reception. While some describe the film as deep and beautiful, others find it slow and unfocused. Despite its criticism, it remains a visually poetic film that attempts to tell a human tale across the complex fault lines of time, identity, and love.
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