Today marks the theatrical release of On Swift Horses, a gripping drama that delves into the complexities of love, identity, and risk in 1950s America. Directed by Daniel Minahan, the film adapts Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel of the same name, weaving a story of suppressed passions against the backdrop of post-Korean War society.
The narrative centers on Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a young newlywed who relocates to Southern California with her husband, Lee (Will Poulter), a returning soldier dreaming of a stable life with a home and family. Their quiet existence is upended by the arrival of Lee’s charismatic brother, Julius (Jacob Elordi), a gambler fresh from the war who heads to Las Vegas in search of fortune and freedom. As Julius navigates the underground queer scene in Vegas, Muriel discovers her own hidden desires at the racetracks, embarking on a forbidden romance that challenges the era’s rigid social norms.
The film explores themes of gambling—both literal and metaphorical—as characters bet on love, identity, and second chances in a time when societal expectations stifled personal truths. Set amid the dusty allure of horse racing tracks and the neon glow of Sin City, On Swift Horses captures the tension between conformity and self-discovery, highlighting the dangers faced by those living authentic lives in secrecy.
Leading the ensemble is Daisy Edgar-Jones, whose portrayal of Muriel has been praised for its understated depth, conveying the internal turmoil of a woman awakening to her true self. Jacob Elordi brings a magnetic intensity to Julius, blending vulnerability with roguish charm in scenes that underscore the film’s queer undercurrents. Will Poulter rounds out the central trio as the earnest Lee, providing a poignant contrast as the one character striving for a conventional happily-ever-after. Supporting roles include Diego Calva as a key figure in Julius’s Las Vegas world and Sasha Calle, adding layers to the story’s exploration of desire.
Critically, the film has garnered mixed but generally positive reviews since its premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 68% approval rating from critics, who commend its visual style and performances while noting some narrative disjointedness. Roger Ebert’s site describes it as “consistently captivating in terms of its storytelling,” appreciating how gambling and sexual secrets intertwine. The Hollywood Reporter calls it “beautiful, heartbreaking,” urging viewers to see it on the big screen. However, some outlets like IndieWire point out emotional shortcomings, labeling it an “endearing melodrama” that doesn’t fully coalesce.
Audience reactions on social media echo this sentiment, with recent posts highlighting the film’s starry cast and thematic resonance. One viewer noted its exploration of queer lives in the 1950s, while others praised the chemistry between Edgar-Jones and Elordi. As one X user put it, the movie feels like a “giddy 1950s melodrama for the 21st century.”
Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, On Swift Horses arrives in theaters amid a wave of period dramas revisiting mid-century America’s underbelly. It will stream on Netflix later, but for now, it’s positioned as a cinematic experience best enjoyed on the big screen. With its blend of romance, suspense, and social commentary, the film invites audiences to reflect on how far society has come—and how much further it has to go.
For showtimes and tickets, check local listings or platforms like Fandango.
