On Swift Horses

This romantic drama, set in the 1950s, after the Korean War, is the story of people who pursue both the American dream and their passions, and experience the burning and destructive aspects of both. The three characters that form the backbone of the story are played by three very talented young actors; Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi and Will Poulter. It is an exciting, sexy and tragic film. The plot is a bit messy, some sub-plots are reduntant (e.g. Muriel & Sandra or Muriel & Gail), and I felt that the relationships between the characters were sometimes built up too hastily (especially Muriel & Julius). It could have been a more organized, more focused and deeper film, but it is still a very fluent and enjoyable one to watch. 7/10.

The adaptation of Shannon Pufahl's novel by Daniel Minahan with a script by Bryce Kass, leaves the feeling of a film that doesn't quite fit together, in which it seems to have good ideas, but not fully developed ones that end up leaving us with the feeling of a film that lacks strength.

With a star-studded cast led by Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, and Diego Calva, they are the ones who allow the film to function in terms of intensity, thanks to their solid, dedicated performances. This relationship of indomitable characters is perfectly portrayed by the cast and sustains the weaker moments of the script.

Daniel Minahan's direction is sensual and seductive, complemented by his excellent photography and artistic design, but it is also limited in what his script offers to exploit. We find ourselves with a decent script, but it doesn't explode when it seems it should and feels somewhat chained to the correctness of a proposal that should please everyone, rather than finding its own space and time to invite the viewer to be part of this game of forbidden, seductive, and incorrect romance. Unfortunately, this limitation prevents us from enjoying an intense drama, that of a period romance and the epic of romanticism that is sometimes so lacking in cinema.

What's worth saying is that the film does have a feeling, and it brilliantly applies it to this forbidden love about sexual identity and finding oneself. It's a powerful vision of the fissures that simmer beneath the surface of the United States. It could have been much more intense, but that doesn't mean we're in the presence of an interesting proposal, one that, in its imperfection, hides the old Hollywood cinema it wants to resemble. At times, it succeeds thanks to its star-studded cast, and at others, it remains only with good intentions.

It's a film worth giving a chance to, to bring out your own feelings and emotions.

Muriel (Daisy Edgar Jones) and her husband Lee (Will Poulter) are about to begin a bright new life, which is upended by the arrival of Lee's brother Julius (Jacob Elordi). Muriel embarks on a secret life, gambling on racehorses and discovering a love she never thought possible.

I think the film is trying to say that none of us know what we want, until we lose what we don't want, and find what we do. But I could be wrong because this tedious film doesn't actually seem to have a point.

It's nicely filmed, but so slow I was getting quite frustrated at things not happening, and when they did they made no sense. I honestly think it is nothing more than a titillating film with men on men sex, women on women sex and plenty of boobs, camel toe and men in white underpants.

There's no real flow at all and no real storyline; it's empty and boring. Will Poulter is great but apart from him there's not much decent acting going on. It was laborious to get through to the end so I give it a 4 and that's being incredibly generous.

My wife and I watched On Swift Horses (2024) in theaters. The story follows two individuals entangled in complicated relationships-with others and with themselves. As they navigate a journey of self-discovery, they begin to realize that their shared sexual fluidity may be what ultimately draws them together.

Directed by Daniel Minahan (Deadwood: The Movie), the film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People), Jacob Elordi (Euphoria), Will Poulter (We're the Millers), and Diego Calva (Babylon).

This is a well-crafted period piece that captures the era beautifully, especially in its portrayal of societal expectations and norms. The acting is top-tier-each actor is well-cast and fits their role convincingly. The premise has real potential, and the film thoughtfully explores the internal struggles and evolving identities of its characters.

That said, the love story didn't resonate as strongly as I'd hoped. Some of the chemistry feels authentic, while other relationships fall flat and lack the depth they seem to be reaching for. By the end, the film leaves you wanting more-emotionally and narratively.

In conclusion, On Swift Horses is a smart and well-executed film that doesn't quite hit its full potential. I'd give it a 6/10 and recommend seeing it once.

On Swift Horses is a slow-burning, atmospheric drama about love, secrets, and self-discovery. The film's strength lies in its strong performances and beautiful cinematography, which capture the quiet intensity of the characters' emotions. While the pacing is deliberate and may feel too slow for some, the emotional depth and subtle storytelling make it worthwhile. It's a thoughtful film that lingers after the credits, exploring themes of longing and identity with sensitivity.

Synopsis: Muriel and her husband Lee are beginning a bright new life in California when he returns from the Korean War. But their newfound stability is upended by the arrival of Lee's charismatic brother, Julius, a wayward gambler with a secret past. A dangerous love triangle quickly forms. When Julius takes off in search of the young card cheat he's fallen for, Muriel's longing for something more propels her into a secret life of her own, gambling on racehorses and exploring a love she never dreamed possible.