Jacob Elordi. Scene from “On Swift Horses”
Based on Shannon Pufhal’s novel, On Swift Horses, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Sasha Calle and Diego Calva, unfolds in the 1950s, amidst the aftermath of the Korean War.
Lee (Poulter) and Muriel (Edgar-Jones), a couple seeking a fresh start in California, find their lives disrupted by the arrival of Lee’s younger brother, Julius (Elordi).
While Lee desires a conventional marriage with Muriel, and dreams of a shared “American Dream” for his family, the emotional landscape is far more intricate. Muriel, though seemingly entangled with Lee, finds a deeper, unspoken connection with Julius. Their shared passion for gambling—Julius with cards, Muriel with horse races—forms a subtle bond.
However, the film’s true emotional core lies in the exploration of their hidden desires. Both Muriel and Julius navigate the societal constraints of the era, each discovering clandestine same-sex romances. Julius, working at a casino, finds a profound connection with Henry (Calva), a fellow employee, and their relationship blossoms in the shadows. Simultaneously, Muriel develops a passionate affair with Sandra (Calle), a relationship she must conceal.
The narrative delves into the complexities of these forbidden loves, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. While Lee’s yearning for a traditional life provides a backdrop, it is the secret, burgeoning romances between Julius and Henry, and Muriel and Sandra, that drive the film’s emotional intensity.
On Swift Horses becomes a story of hidden passions and the quiet rebellion against a restrictive era, where the yearning for authentic love transcends societal norms.
The film hits theaters in the US on April 25.
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