“On Swift Horses Review: Love, Gambling and Freedom in the 1950s”

“On Swift Horses” is a 2025 drama film based on the novel of the same name by Shannon Pufahl. It is directed by Daniel Minahan (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story) and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, **Jacob Elordi and Will Poulter. The movie is a story of love, loss and gambling set in 1950s America.

The film opens with the couple Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Lee (Will Poulter) moving to Las Vegas. As Muriel is drawn into the mysterious world of her brother-in-law Julius (Jacob Elordi), she begins to question her own marriage and identity. As a homosexual youth, Julius struggles to survive in the oppressive atmosphere of the time, while at the same time endangering himself with his passion for horse racing and gambling.

1. The Quest for Freedom and Social Pressures

• The suppression of sexual identities and individual desires in 1950s America is portrayed through the character Julius.
• Muriel’s inner journey reflects her effort to reject the traditional roles of women.

1. Gambling Metaphor

• The gambling scenes symbolize the risks and uncertainties in the characters’ lives.
• Julius’ cycle of losing and winning is parallel to his struggle for identity.

1. Loneliness and Belonging

• Each character is lonely in some way: Muriel in her marriage, Julius in his sexual identity, Lee in the shadow of his past.
• Locations such as Las Vegas and Tijuana emphasize the characters’ search for escape.

• The cinematography is characterized by pastel tones and shadowy scenes, reflecting the nostalgic yet gloomy atmosphere of the 1950s.
• The slow-paced narration allows us to focus on the psychological depths of the characters.
• The horse racing scenes* have both suspense and metaphorical meanings.

• Daisy Edgar-Jones* perfectly captures Muriel’s inner conflicts.
• Jacob Elordi impressively portrays Julius’ complex psyche.
• Will Poulter successfully conveys Lee’s calm but deep pain.

“On Swift Horses” is not only a period drama, but also a poetic film that touches on universal themes. It has strong messages, especially in terms of LGBTQ+ representation and women’s liberation. However, its slow rhythm may be boring for some viewers.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
*Recommended for fans of Brokeback Mountain, Carol, The Power of the Dog.

Have you seen the movie? Waiting for your comments! 🎬

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15042300/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_on%2520sw