From what I read about the film, I thought the story sounded interesting. And a film about secrets always implicitly promises a certain amount of drama. What On Swift Horses brings is an emotionally compelling plot where there are no easy solutions for the characters, characters that are dynamic together, and all about being true to yourself even when it is difficult. 

On Swift Horses is a romantic drama film directed by Daniel Minahan and adapted by Bryce Kass from Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel. In the film, Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her husband Lee (Will Poulter) are beginning a bright new life in California following his return from the Korean War. Lee is keen on having his younger brother, Julius (Jacob Elordi), join them but instead Julius travels to Las Vegas instead. While Julius finds employment at a casino and falls in love with his co-worker, Henry (Diego Calva), Muriel embarks on a secret life of her own, gambling on racehorses and falling for her neighbor, Sandra (Sasha Calle). The two worlds collide when Julius finally visits Lee and Muriel and their secrets emerge clashing with the illusions that each have built.

What I loved most about this story is that the emotional elements are all about little dramas within the character’s lives. This is a story driven by the characters and is all about the conflict between what one should do and what really drives a person to passion. It is fueled by the believability of the emotions and how the characters behave during a time period where lives weren’t as free to be lived authentically. The depiction of the relationships is dynamic and the drama is in how the various secrets unfold to each person. 

The narrative follows Muriel and Julius, shining a light on who they are and how they behave. Julius wants love and finds it with Henry but that relationship is fraught with danger and they must hide from the world. Muriel hides even from herself, hiding her winnings, hiding her affair with Sandra and ultimately hiding that the connection between the pair is love. She seeks normality until she can no longer hide. The story revolving around Muriel and Julius allows both stories to be told but also highlights how much alike the pair are, each struggling to be true to themselves.

What catapults this film above average is in the performances. Daisy Edgar-Jones gives us a subtle emotional performance, little actions speaking loud, facial expressions and subtle gestures driving her performance with nuance. The dynamic between her and Will Poulter is one of warmth and caring which drives home the lack of passion emanating from her character. She has an immediate vivid connection with Jacob Elordi as Julius and Jacob is able to infuse his character with charisma and emotion, even when Julius hurts Muriel, the connection between them is still a driving force in their relationship. Diego Calva sizzles as Henry, intriguing and full of energy, the passion between him and Julius bright and compelling. Sasha Calle is warm and empathetic as Sandra and the sensuality between her and Daisy Edgar-Jones is believable. Will Poulter comes to life in the last act, giving us one of the most emotional scenes of the movie. 

While the film is emotionally compelling with fantastic performances, it can also be slow and meandering. While the choice to split the story between Julius and Muriel highlights the drama, it also splits the focus, allowing the film to drag along the way. It also fails to give us much for Will Poulter, leaving his character to flounder. Even though he gives a beautiful performance, full of grace, the story doesn’t allow his character to really shine until the last act. And while the resolution of the story is impactful, it also feels like there is narrative missing.

If you like stories of lgbtquia character dramas, this movie will be for you. It is a beautifully created character drama that gives authentic drama in the small and big choices in life. It doesn’t allow for simple answers or anyone being a bad person but more so demonstrates the drama in trying to live an authentic life. The performances are subtle, nuanced and powerful, by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi. Will Poulter brings restrained power to his performance. Diego Calva and Sasha Calle bring passion and dynamic acting. While I wish the film was a bit faster paced, the slower action allows for more emotional impact in the final scenes. The movie is emotionally compelling and beautiful.

Rating 4 out of 5 horse races. 

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