Daniel Minahan’s On Swift Horses, based on the novel by Shannon Pufahl, is an intriguing exploration of love, sexuality, and finding purpose in 1950s America. Premiering at TIFF 2024, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, and Will Poulter. It attempts to tackle many complex themes within its nearly two-hour runtime, and while it manages to be engaging and provocative, the execution sometimes feels muddled.
On Swift Horses tells the story of Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her husband Lee (Will Poulter) as they embark on a new life together after Lee’s return from the Korean War. Their plans are disrupted by the arrival of Lee’s charismatic younger brother, Julius (Jacob Elordi), a fellow veteran with a knack for gambling. While Lee hopes to build a traditional life with his wife and brother in California, Julius has other plans.
Jumping from place to place in an effort to find himself, he eventually lands in the City of Sin, Las Vegas, where he finds work at a casino and begins a clandestine relationship with his co-worker, Henry (Diego Calva). Meanwhile, back in San Diego, Muriel secretly indulges in her own passions, betting on racehorses and discovering an unexpected love. At the same time, she struggles to fit into the traditional lifestyle that Lee craves, finding excitement in horse betting while exploring her own sexuality.
It’s a lot to fit into one movie, and despite the captivating actors and engaging concept, I found myself checking my watch. There’s simply too much happening for everything to come together coherently. That’s not to say there aren’t good ideas or strong performances that make you believe and sympathize with the characters, but I never felt truly invested in anyone’s motivations. The film seems confused about what we are supposed to believe or even who we are supposed to follow.
Minahan’s direction masterfully captures the era’s essence, with meticulous attention to detail in the production design and costumes. Luc Montpellier’s cinematography beautifully frames the characters’ emotional journeys, while Mark Orton‘s score enhances the film’s wistful atmosphere. On a technical level, On Swift Horses is exceptionally well crafted, but despite the film’s strong visuals and ideas, the story issues leave even the best elements feeling somewhat confused.
While I have issues with the story, the performances make the film worth the struggle, with the cast delivering nuanced portrayals of complex characters. Daisy Edgar-Jones shines as Muriel, portraying a woman craving more from life while fearing societal judgment. Jacob Elordi brings depth to Julius, a man grappling with his identity and sexual desires in a time when anything beyond traditional norms was often hidden. Will Poulter’s Lee is a man torn between his love for his wife, his loyalty to his brother, and his pursuit of the American dream, and Poulter navigates this conflict with sensitivity.
While the film’s pacing may be slow for some viewers and the story somewhat muddled, On Swift Horses does give the audience time to connect with the characters and their relationships. The central romances—particularly between Julius and Henry, Julius and Muriel, and Muriel and Lee—are handled with care and authenticity, thanks in part to the chemistry among the cast.
“On Swift Horses is exceptionally well crafted…”
On Swift Horses is a visually striking and emotionally impactful film that explores the complexities of love, sexuality, and self-discovery in a repressive era. While it may not be a perfect film and struggles to fully realize its potential within its sub-two-hour runtime, its strong performances, assured direction, and attention to detail make it a worthwhile watch for fans of period dramas and character-driven stories.
On Swift Horses is a slow-burning but ultimately satisfying period romance that benefits from its talented ensemble cast and its attention to crafting a cinematic landscape that feels lived-in and believable. While its deliberate pacing and unnecessarily convoluted storyline may not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate nuanced characters and immersive storytelling will find much to admire in this adaptation of Shannon Pufahl’s novel. With its exploration of hidden desires and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, On Swift Horses serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who dared to love differently in the past.
Check out more of CGMagazine’s TIFF 2024 coverage here throughout the festival.