A story of mixed relationships, disappointments and unresolved affairs, On Swift Horses has just been released in theaters. The Drama works well with the fine cast that digs into the subject matter while testing modern audiences. Pretentious yet tenable for most audiences, the storyline builds early then rides on heart rending waves leading to an uncertain outcome.
Muriel and Lee are a single couple living together in her deceased mother’s house as a matter of necessity in 1950’s low income era. On Christmas Eve Julius, Lee’s brother who was serving in Korea during that conflict with the United States, comes for a visit. Without any income they take Julius in to help him get a fresh start. Being called to duty, Lee gets married to Muriel with Julius moving in permanently. But things are getting the two a bit too close mudding the friendship between Julius and Muriel who are both looking for other ways to keep their feelings at bay. That is until Julius starts to gamble to make money and wants to go to Las Vegas bringing discontent within the trio.
Julius openly reveals his sexual desires when he meets Henry who woos him with dreams of a new life. Creating a more complex world, director Daniel Minahan adds another sexual relationship to the tryst. He then moves his characters around contestably while developing the wicked story to an emotional finale. However, the film does get a bit predictable and loses some believability leaving it wide open to speculation.
On Swift Horses has been rated R by the MPAA for sexual content, nudity and some language. The sexuality involves explicitly gay material and there is some violence and brutality. Recommended for diehard drama fans, it’s 2.5 out of 5 Stars.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calvam Sasha Calle
Directed by: Daniel Minahan
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R for sexual content, nudity and some language.
Running Time: 1 hr. 57 min.
Opening Date: April 25, 2025
Distributed by: Sony Pictures
Released in: Theaters
