New Movies: On Swift Horses (2024) by Daniel Minahan: A Secret Ride Through 1950s Desires
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 26
- 14 min read
The Core Story: Parallel Lives, Hidden Desires
"On Swift Horses" is a romantic drama film directed by Daniel Minahan, adapted by Bryce Kass from Shannon Pufahl's 2019 novel. Set in the post-Korean War 1950s, the film follows the intertwined lives of Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Julius (Jacob Elordi), a sister-in-law and brother-in-law who, despite their seemingly disparate paths, share a profound, unspoken kinship.
Muriel and her husband Lee (Will Poulter) are attempting to build a conventional American Dream life in San Diego. However, Muriel feels a restlessness that she secretly appeases by gambling on racehorses. Meanwhile, Lee's charismatic and unmoored brother, Julius, finds his way to Las Vegas after the war, where he discovers both a job in a casino monitoring gamblers and a passionate, clandestine love with a male co-worker, Henry (Diego Calva). The film charts their parallel journeys of self-discovery and forbidden desires, navigating the societal constraints of the era and risking everything for a life true to themselves.
Short Summary: '50s Secrets and Self-Discovery
In 1950s America, a seemingly conventional newlywed, Muriel, and her husband's wayward brother, Julius, embark on parallel secret lives. She finds solace and excitement in horse racing and a forbidden romance, while he discovers love and a hidden world in Las Vegas. Both risk everything to live authentically in a time of rigid societal norms.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15042300/
Link Review: https://thefilmstage.com/tiff-review-on-swift-horses-is-an-endearing-melodrama-with-an-alluring-ensemble/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/on-swift-horses (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/on-swift-horses (Canada)
Detailed Look: Gambling, Queerness, and Melodrama
"On Swift Horses" is a lush, atmospheric period piece that delves into the unspoken longings and societal pressures of the 1950s. The film explores themes of hidden homosexuality and gender roles through the dual narratives of Muriel and Julius. Muriel, seemingly the picture of domesticity, finds liberation and excitement in the male-dominated world of horse racing and a flirtatious connection with a female neighbor (Sasha Calle). Julius, embodying a more bohemian, unmoored spirit, navigates the clandestine world of queer relationships in Las Vegas.
The film is praised for its gorgeous cinematography by Luc Montpellier, which evokes the period with a rich, almost noir-ish aesthetic. The casting of Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, and Diego Calva, all rising stars, is a significant draw, and their performances are often highlighted. Director Daniel Minahan, known for his work on prestige television like Game of Thrones and Fellow Travelers, brings a careful hand to the melodrama, aiming for a classic Hollywood feel. However, critics note that while the film is visually stunning and conceptually rich, its dual narrative sometimes struggles to fully coalesce, and some thematic explorations (particularly the gambling metaphor for queerness) don't always land as effectively as intended. The script, while adapting a well-regarded novel, has been cited for some unevenness, particularly towards the end.
Plot Summary: The Unfolding Bets
A New Beginning, and a Disturbance: Muriel and her husband Lee move to San Diego for a new life after Lee's return from the Korean War. Their plans are subtly disrupted by the arrival of Lee's charismatic younger brother, Julius.
Parallel Paths Emerge: Lee hopes for the trio to build a life together, but Julius, a natural gambler, heads to Las Vegas instead. Muriel, bored with her new suburban life, secretly begins gambling on racehorses, finding exhilaration and success.
Forbidden Loves: In Las Vegas, Julius finds work in a casino and falls deeply in love with a male co-worker, Henry, navigating a secret homosexual relationship in a dangerous era. Simultaneously, Muriel develops a connection with a female neighbor, Sandra.
Shared Secrets, Separate Struggles: Muriel and Julius maintain a correspondence, unknowingly embarking on parallel journeys of self-discovery and forbidden transgressions. Both use gambling as an outlet, a metaphor for the risks they take in their personal lives.
Escalating Stakes: As their secret lives deepen, they face increasing risks and the threat of exposure, putting their desires and very existences in peril within the rigid social landscape of the 1950s.
Climax and Resolution (Mixed Reception): The film builds to a point where their hidden lives converge or face critical junctures. While some critics find the ending to be a bit rushed or too tidy, the film aims for a poignant resolution that reflects the enduring struggle for authenticity.
Director's Vision: The Artistic Compass Guiding "On Swift Horses"
Daniel Minahan's vision for "On Swift Horses" is to craft a lush, classic melodrama that explores the hidden desires and societal constraints of 1950s America, particularly through the lens of queer experiences.
Period Authenticity and Aesthetic: Minahan aims to transport viewers to the 1950s with meticulous detail in decor, costuming, and a "lavish visual backdrop." Comparisons to Douglas Sirk suggest an embrace of rich, emotional melodrama.
Parallel Journeys of Self-Discovery: The core of his vision is the intertwined, yet separate, paths of Muriel and Julius as they seek personal freedom and authentic love amidst societal pressures.
Subtle Portrayal of Forbidden Desires: Given the era, Minahan emphasizes "small coded gestures — a glance, a lingering touch, a matchbook passed along — to indicate desires," reflecting the dangerous reality of hidden queer relationships.
Gambling as Metaphor: The director uses gambling as a key metaphor for the risks involved in living an authentic, forbidden life in a repressive era.
Focus on Yearning and Emotion: The film strives to capture "the power of its characters' yearnings, whether secret or boldly declared," aiming for emotional resonance and heartbreak.
Elevated TV to Feature Film: Having a strong background in directing acclaimed television series, Minahan attempts to bring that episodic richness and character depth to a feature film format.
Themes: Echoes of Humanity
Hidden Desires vs. Societal Norms: The central conflict of the film, exploring the pressure to conform in 1950s America and the yearning for authentic self-expression, particularly regarding sexuality.
Parallel Lives and Kinship: The unspoken bond and shared struggles between Muriel and Julius, even as they live geographically and outwardly separate lives.
Gambling as Metaphor: The act of gambling symbolizes the risks involved in pursuing forbidden love and a life outside societal expectations.
The American Dream's Dark Side: A critique of the idealized 1950s American Dream, revealing the stifling effects it had on individuals who didn't fit into conventional molds.
Self-Discovery and Liberation: The journey of the characters to understand and embrace their true identities, even at great personal cost.
Key Success Factors: Ingredients for Triumph
Strong Ensemble Cast: The film benefits significantly from the magnetic performances of its young, in-demand cast members, particularly Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi, who effectively convey complex internal struggles.
Gorgeous Period Aesthetic: Luc Montpellier's cinematography beautifully captures the era, creating a visually compelling and atmospheric world.
Intriguing Dual Narrative: The parallel journeys of Muriel and Julius offer a multifaceted look at liberation and oppression.
Relevant Thematic Material: The exploration of hidden queer lives in the 1950s resonates with contemporary discussions about identity and societal repression.
Daniel Minahan's Directorial Prowess: Minahan's experience in character-driven narratives from television translates well to the film's focus on intimate emotional journeys.
Awards and Nominations: Acknowledged Brilliance
"On Swift Horses" premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7, 2024, as a Special Presentation. While no major award wins or nominations have been widely publicized as of current date, its premiere at TIFF indicates its standing as a significant independent feature with artistic merit.
Critics Reception: Voices from the Critics
Roger Ebert (Brian Tallerico)
Summary: Tallerico praises "On Swift Horses" as an "engaging drama" that is "beautiful, heartbreaking and demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible." He commends its "phenomenal young cast," highlighting Jacob Elordi's "best film work to date," and the film's "lavish visual backdrop." While he notes the "extremely rushed final lap" in the script, he still considers it a "winner" for its passion and heartbreak, comparing its melodrama to Douglas Sirk.
Overall Impression: Highly positive, emphasizing the film's emotional impact, strong performances, and visual appeal, despite minor narrative flaws.
InReviewOnline (Daniel Minahan [Review])
Summary: This review finds "few genuinely pleasurable elements," calling it a "crushingly timid homage" to 1950s melodramas. It criticizes Minahan's vision as "blandly televisual" and finds the actors' performances, including Elordi's, as "highly manicured images" lacking emotional core. The review is particularly harsh on the depiction of the queer relationships, finding them "erotically stale" and the gambling metaphor unconvincing.
Overall Impression: Highly negative, seeing the film as a missed opportunity that fails to capture the transgressive spirit it attempts to evoke.
SHOOTonline (Associated Press Review)
Summary: The review praises Daisy Edgar-Jones' "brilliant performance" as Muriel but criticizes the film for getting "lost in a meandering plot and clunky symbols." It finds the execution often "slack" and veering into "melodrama in the last 15 minutes," with a "weird noir vibe that doesn't really work." While acknowledging the relevance of its queer tale, it concludes that the adaptation "hasn't made the leap to the screen very well."
Overall Impression: Mixed-to-negative, appreciating the lead actress but finding significant flaws in the script's pacing, symbolism, and overall execution.
The SunBreak (Fantasia Fest '24 Review)
Summary: This review gives the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as a "handsome literary take on queer identities in the 1950s American West." It praises Elordi and Edgar-Jones for avoiding "tragic weepy stereotypes" and cinematographer Luc Montpellier for finding "rapturous beauty in the décor and accoutrements of the era." While noting the structural challenge of the parallel journeys and limited shared scenes, it highlights the "lightness and sense of optimism rare for the era."
Overall Impression: Positive, appreciating the film's aesthetic, performances, and its nuanced portrayal of the era's challenges.
The Film Stage (Stephen Saito)
Summary: Calls it an "endearing melodrama with an alluring ensemble," praising the "ridiculously attractive lineup of buzzworthy young actors." While acknowledging that the "messy, tangled plotlines" sometimes feel better suited to a series and that the ending becomes "far too messy" with a "laughably silly" final shot, Saito ultimately finds the film "fascinating, endearingly offbeat" and compelling due to its talented cast and challenging themes of 1950s life.
Overall Impression: Positive, enjoying the film as a charming, if imperfect, melodrama carried by its strong cast and engaging premise.
Overall Critics Reception Summary:
"On Swift Horses" has garnered a mixed-to-positive critical reception. Many critics praise its visual beauty, strong performances from its young ensemble cast (especially Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi), and its ambition to tell a queer love story within the oppressive context of 1950s America. Reviewers commend Daniel Minahan's direction for its atmospheric quality and attempt at a classic melodrama.
However, a significant number of criticisms focus on the screenplay's unevenness. Some found the dual narrative structure led to a fragmented or meandering plot, and that certain thematic metaphors (like gambling) didn't always land effectively. The pacing, particularly towards the end, was sometimes described as rushed or anticlimactic, with some critics finding the film fell short of its transgressive potential, leading to an overall feeling of unfulfilled promise for a truly groundbreaking queer epic.
Reviews
Filmaffinity
Summary: Aggregates critic reviews with a "Critics' reviews" section, showing "10. Positive, 8. Neutral, 2. Negative." It includes snippets of reviews, such as Pete Hammond (Deadline) calling it "beautiful, heartbreaking and demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible," and another general comment about "complicated romantic drama, mixed with gambling, noir-ish tones, horse racing and a complex love triangle that don't all mesh as well as they might."
Overall Impression: Provides a good snapshot of the range of critical opinions, leaning towards positive.
Chris Knipp
Summary: Knipp describes the film as "glamorous, bold, and almost-wonderful," praising the music, photography, scenery, and the five main actors. He notes that while it's a bold mainstream gay movie for its era, the split storyline (Julius's and Muriel's) "goes a little wrong" and the attempted reunion feels like a "soft failure." He highly praises the visual aspects, calling it "a hell of a great looking film that's fun to watch, a treat for queer audiences." Despite its flaws, he recommends seeing it on a big screen.
Overall Impression: Positive, with specific criticisms on the narrative structure but strong praise for the aesthetics and performances.
Overall Reviews Summary:
The available reviews, both from dedicated film critics and broader platforms, paint a consistent picture. "On Swift Horses" is lauded for its visual splendor, thanks to Luc Montpellier's cinematography, and its strong ensemble cast's performances, particularly those of Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi. Many appreciate its ambitious exploration of queer identity within the challenging societal landscape of 1950s America, often noting its emotional impact.
However, a recurring sentiment is that the film's narrative, especially its dual storyline, doesn't always cohere perfectly, leading to moments of uneven pacing or underdeveloped thematic exploration. While many find it a captivating and worthwhile watch, particularly for its aesthetic and the talent on screen, some feel it doesn't fully capitalize on its rich premise or achieve the profundity of similar period pieces.
Box Office: A Modest Theatrical Run
"On Swift Horses" had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2024. It was then released in the United States by Sony Pictures Classics on April 25, 2025, with a digital and VOD release following on May 27, 2025.
Worldwide Box Office Gross: Approximately $1,174,247 (as of current date).
Domestic (United States): $1,030,558
International: $143,689
Given its nature as an indie period drama with a limited release strategy, this box office performance is modest, typical for prestige films that rely more on critical acclaim, festival buzz, and long-term digital/streaming engagement. Its opening weekend domestic gross was $542,360 across 755 theaters, indicating a relatively wide but likely shallow theatrical run.
Production Summary: Crafting a '50s Canvas
"On Swift Horses" is a 2024 American romantic drama film with a running time of 119 minutes.
Directed by: Daniel Minahan
Screenplay by: Bryce Kass (based on the 2019 novel On Swift Horses by Shannon Pufahl)
Produced by: Peter Spears, Daniel Minahan, Tim Headington, Mollye Asher, Theresa Steele Page, Michael D'Alto
Starring:
Daisy Edgar-Jones as Muriel
Jacob Elordi as Julius
Will Poulter as Lee
Diego Calva as Henry
Sasha Calle as Sandra
Cinematography: Luc Montpellier
Edited by: Joe Murphy, Robert Frazen, Kate Sanford
Music by: Mark Orton
Production Companies: Ley Line Entertainment, FirstGen Content, Cor Cordium, Wavelength
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics (United States)
Country: United States
Language: English
MPA Rating: R (for sexual content, nudity, and some language)
The film was shot by Canadian maestro Luc Montpellier, and features a carefully crafted period aesthetic. It had its world premiere at TIFF in September 2024, leading to its distribution deal with Sony Pictures Classics.
Release Dates: From Festival Premiere to Digital
World Premiere (TIFF): September 7, 2024 (Toronto International Film Festival)
United States Theatrical Release: April 25, 2025 (Limited)
United States Digital/VOD Release: May 27, 2025
Why to Recommend Movie: A Cinematic Invitation
Gorgeous Period Piece: If you appreciate meticulously crafted historical dramas with beautiful cinematography and costume design that transport you to a specific era.
Powerful Ensemble Performances: For those who want to see compelling acting from a talented young cast, particularly Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi.
Thought-Provoking Exploration of Identity: If you are interested in films that sensitively explore themes of hidden desires, sexuality, and societal repression in a historical context.
Literary Adaptation: For fans of Shannon Pufahl's novel or those who enjoy character-driven stories adapted from acclaimed literature.
Director Daniel Minahan's Vision: If you're familiar with Minahan's work on prestige television (e.g., Fellow Travelers, Halston) and want to see his approach to a feature film.
Why to Watch Movie: The Power of Presence
To Witness Rising Stars: See Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi deliver strong performances in complex roles.
Immersive Aesthetic: Experience a film that excels in creating a palpable sense of time and place through its visuals and mood.
Engage with Important Social Themes: The film's exploration of queer identity in the 1950s remains highly relevant.
A Unique Take on Melodrama: If you enjoy films that embrace the emotional intensity of melodrama but with a nuanced, modern sensibility.
A Film to Discuss: Its strengths and perceived weaknesses offer plenty of material for post-viewing conversation.
Movie Trend: Following the Current
"On Swift Horses" fits squarely into the trend of "Prestige Period Dramas," often adapted from acclaimed novels, that utilize lush aesthetics to explore complex human relationships and societal norms of a bygone era. It's also a significant entry in the growing number of "Queer Cinema" films set in historical contexts, shedding light on LGBTQ+ experiences in times of repression. Furthermore, it exemplifies the trend of "TV Auteur Crossover," where accomplished television directors like Daniel Minahan transition their character-driven storytelling skills to feature films.
Social Trend: Mirroring Society
The film deeply resonates with contemporary social trends surrounding LGBTQ+ Rights and Representation and the ongoing discussion about Authenticity vs. Conformity. By depicting the profound struggles of individuals forced to hide their true selves and desires in the restrictive 1950s, "On Swift Horses" acts as a poignant reminder of the progress made and the continued importance of fighting for self-acceptance and societal inclusivity. It also taps into a broader cultural fascination with the "hidden histories" of marginalized groups and the resilience required to forge a genuine identity in the face of adversity. The exploration of gambling as a metaphor for risk-taking also subtly reflects the broader human tendency to seek escape or agency in uncertain times.
Final Verdict: A Secret Ride Through 1950s Desires – Beautifully Imperfect
"On Swift Horses" is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant romantic drama that largely succeeds in transporting audiences to the stifling yet alluring world of 1950s America. Daniel Minahan's direction crafts a lush, melancholic atmosphere that beautifully complements the film's central themes of hidden desires and the yearning for authentic connection. The film's greatest strengths lie in its superb ensemble cast, particularly the compelling performances of Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi, who embody the internal struggles of their characters with nuance and depth. While the dual narrative structure occasionally leads to a slightly fragmented pace and some thematic elements could have been more fully realized, the film's ambition and its sensitive portrayal of forbidden love stories make it a worthwhile and poignant watch. It's a film that leaves a lasting impression through its aesthetic beauty, its strong acting, and its exploration of the enduring human need for freedom and self-discovery, even if its narrative doesn't always gallop smoothly to the finish line.
Recommendations for Filmmakers: Galloping Towards Authentic Storytelling
Prioritize Visual Authenticity and Atmosphere: Embrace meticulous period detail in your production design, costumes, and cinematography. "On Swift Horses" excels in creating a palpable sense of the 1950s, allowing the setting to actively contribute to the story's themes of societal constraint and hidden worlds.
Leverage Ensemble Chemistry: Invest in casting actors who not only deliver strong individual performances but also possess a compelling dynamic when interacting, even if their characters share limited screen time together. The unspoken connection between Muriel and Julius is a testament to effective casting.
Balance Ambitious Narrative Structures with Cohesion: While dual narratives can offer rich thematic depth, ensure that all storylines are equally developed and that their intersections feel organic and meaningful, avoiding a sense of fragmentation or unfulfilled potential in any particular arc.
Embrace Melodrama with Nuance: Don't shy away from the emotional intensity of melodrama, but strive for subtlety in character portrayal and thematic exploration. The film shows that deep emotion can be conveyed through glances and gestures, enhancing realism even in heightened situations.
Recommendations for Movie Industry: Backing Bold Rides in Cinematic Landscapes
Champion Diverse Historical Narratives: Actively seek out and support films that shed light on the often-untold stories of marginalized communities within historical contexts, particularly those challenging societal norms. These narratives offer crucial insights and resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.
Invest in Artistic Directors from Other Mediums: Recognize the talent that transcends traditional film boundaries. Directors like Daniel Minahan, with strong backgrounds in prestige television, can bring unique episodic depth and character focus to feature films, enriching the cinematic landscape.
Support Projects with Strong Visual Signatures: Acknowledge the power of cinematography and production design in elevating a film. Films like "On Swift Horses" demonstrate that a distinctive visual style can be a major draw and contribute significantly to critical acclaim.
Cultivate Platforms for Nuanced Period Dramas: Continue to provide theatrical and digital distribution avenues for character-driven period pieces that prioritize emotional and thematic depth over commercial spectacle, ensuring a varied cinematic diet for audiences.
Final Conclusions: "On Swift Horses": A Heartfelt Bet on Hidden Truths in a Post-War World
"On Swift Horses" delivers a beautifully rendered and emotionally charged exploration of identity, desire, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity against the backdrop of 1950s American conformity. Daniel Minahan, with a keen eye for period detail and a strong focus on character, crafts a melancholic yet hopeful vision of lives lived on the fringes of expectation. The film's core strength lies in the magnetic performances of Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi, whose nuanced portrayals of Muriel and Julius lend profound weight to their parallel journeys of self-discovery and forbidden loves. While some narrative threads might feel slightly less developed than others, the film's artistic ambition, visual splendor, and its poignant message of quiet rebellion resonate deeply. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of rigid societal norms, the human spirit yearns for freedom and connection, often found in the most unexpected and secret places. "On Swift Horses" is a compelling and often heartbreaking ode to those who dared to live their truths, however silently, on the swift horses of their hidden desires.
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