On Swift Horses is a richly layered film that tells a hauntingly beautiful story of desire, repression, and escape in post-war America. Based on the critically acclaimed debut novel by Shannon Pufahl, the movie dives deep into the emotional undercurrents of its characters — exploring love, queerness, gambling, and the silent yearning for liberation in a society that discourages difference.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of the film — from plot and performances to production, reception, and where to stream it.
Basic Information
- Title: On Swift Horses
- Director: Daniel Minahan
- Screenplay: Bryce Kass
- Based on: On Swift Horses by Shannon Pufahl (2019)
- Release Year: 2024
- Genre: Drama, Romance, LGBTQ+
- Runtime: 113 minutes
- Language: English
- Production Companies: Ley Line Entertainment, Killer Films
Official Premiere: Sundance Film Festival, January 2024
Plot Summary
Set in the aftermath of the Korean War, On Swift Horses centers around Muriel, a young woman who marries Lee, a quiet, emotionally withdrawn war veteran. They relocate to San Diego in hopes of starting a peaceful, domestic life. However, the emotional disconnection between them becomes increasingly palpable.
Their world is disrupted when Julius, Lee’s younger brother, returns from the war and moves in. Julius is charismatic, enigmatic, and carries an undercurrent of danger and sensuality. He introduces Muriel to the world of gambling, risk, and emotional vulnerability — something her own marriage lacks.
As the story unfolds, Julius escapes to Las Vegas, immersing himself in the underworld of gambling and queer identity, where he forms a secretive relationship that challenges societal boundaries. Muriel, torn between loyalty and longing, begins to follow her own path of self-discovery, ultimately leading her to the racetrack, and deeper into a life she never imagined she would pursue.
Character Breakdown
Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones)
Muriel represents the constrained woman of the 1950s — bound by domestic expectations but internally yearning for more. Daisy Edgar-Jones gives a performance that is at once restrained and emotionally powerful.
Julius (Jacob Elordi)
Jacob Elordi delivers a standout performance as Julius, a man torn between the freedom he craves and the emotional depth he hides from the world. Julius is a symbol of rebellion, queerness, and existential searching.
Lee (Will Poulter)
Will Poulter plays the stoic and emotionally scarred Lee, whose struggle with post-war trauma renders him incapable of connecting emotionally with his wife or brother.
Supporting Cast
- Diego Calva brings quiet intensity to his role as Julius’s love interest.
- Sasha Calle adds complexity in a supporting role, grounding the story in the reality of female friendship and quiet resilience.
Themes Explored
1. Queer Identity and Repression
At the heart of On Swift Horses lies a queer love story, portrayed with sensitivity and realism. The film explores the emotional costs of hiding one’s identity in a world that refuses to accept it.
2. Freedom and Confinement
The title itself is symbolic. Horses represent escape — from societal norms, traditional relationships, and suffocating expectations. Every character seeks a version of freedom they are denied in everyday life.
3. The Allure of Risk
The world of gambling, racetracks, and underground casinos serves as a metaphor for emotional and existential risk. It mirrors the characters’ choices and their desire to find meaning beyond safety.
Cinematography and Style
Directed by Daniel Minahan, the film’s visual language is both poetic and purposeful. The cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra contrasts the soft, faded hues of 1950s domestic life with the vibrant, neon chaos of Las Vegas nightlife. This contrast visually echoes the characters’ internal struggles — the calm surface versus the storm within.
The use of silence, ambient sound, and long takes allows the film to breathe, creating emotional tension that’s as heavy as it is hypnotic. Every frame feels like a still from a painting — deliberate, haunting, and immersive.
Adaptation and Development
The film was adapted from Shannon Pufahl’s debut novel, which received critical acclaim for its lyrical prose and emotional complexity. The screenplay by Bryce Kass retains much of the novel’s introspective tone, translating the internal struggles of its characters to the screen with remarkable care.
Produced by Christine Vachon, a long-standing advocate of independent and queer cinema, the film was developed under Killer Films, known for projects such as Carol and Boys Don’t Cry.
Controversy and Cultural Impact
Before its release, On Swift Horses drew attention for a bold love scene between Jacob Elordi and Diego Calva, which sparked conversations around queer representation in mainstream cinema. Rather than being gratuitous, the scene is integral to the emotional core of the film and has been praised for its vulnerability and rawness.
The film’s cultural significance lies in its ability to depict LGBTQ+ identity without sensationalism — portraying it as deeply human, conflicted, and beautiful.
Critical Reception
Premiering at Sundance Film Festival 2024, the film received glowing reviews for its performances, direction, and emotional depth.
Key Reviews:
- “Jacob Elordi gives the performance of his career — emotionally honest and heartbreakingly restrained.” – IndieWire
- “An atmospheric, character-driven drama that redefines what queer cinema can be.” – The Hollywood Reporter
- “A slow-burn masterpiece that lingers long after the credits roll.” – Film Threat
Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Metacritic: 76/100
- Audience Score: 8.2/10
Where to Watch On Swift Horses
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Conclusion
On Swift Horses is a bold, elegant, and emotionally charged film that tackles some of the most profound themes of the human condition — identity, desire, freedom, and the cost of silence. With exceptional performances, meticulous direction, and a narrative that lingers in the soul, it cements its place as one of the most impactful films of 2024.
If you’re ready to experience a story that is both intimate and epic, poetic and powerful, don’t miss On Swift Horses — now available to stream on FrenchIPTV.shop.
