Jacob Elordi's latest film, "On Swift Horses," might leave you guessing at first, but at heart, it's a deeply moving queer love story. It's an adaptation from Shannon Pufahl's novel, brought vividly alive by director Daniel Minahan and writer Bryce Kass, weaving together themes that explore love, identity, and self-discovery on many levels.
Love unfolds in 1950s America
Step back in time with "On Swift Horses," where we're introduced against a backdrop that paints a hopeful post-war 1950s America. Muriel (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Lee (Will Poulter), a young couple starting afresh in sunny California, are trying find their place after Lee returns from fighting in Korea. Their lives are also intertwined with Lee's brother, Julius (Jacob Elordi), who journeys off magnetically drawn toward Las Vegas. It's there that he begins a path filled with personal growth and unexpected romance.
Two love stories, one journey
The film beautifully spins two love stories. We follow Muriel and Julius as they carve out their own unique paths toward love and self-understanding. Muriel's journey involves a secret life as she builds a hidden fortune through gambling and develops an intense bond with her neighbor Sandra (Sasha Calle), all while grappling with her own identity. Julius's story, on a different note, takes off in lively Las Vegas, where he meets Henry (Diego Calva), a fellow casino worker who transforms his understanding and experience with love.
Beneath these romantic layers, "On Swift Horses" digs deep, examining complexities within that classic American Dream. Each character embodies different elements: Lee dreams big about a traditional family life, whereas Muriel and Julius veer off, redefining norms and expectations.
An allegorical masterpiece
Director Daniel Minahan captures this rich, allegorical tale with a lush visual feast that's an ode 1950s cinema. Cinematic magic from Luc Montpellier channels vibrant colors and dreamy scenes, moving us from idyllic Southern California suburbs straight down Vegas's neon-lit streets. The film even dips a toe in historical peculiarities, like those outlandish atomic bomb parties in Nevada's desert, adding authenticity while capturing an era long gone.
These visuals make "On Swift Horses" feel both nostalgic and fresh, reaching out and connecting with today's audience. The film shines not just in its look but in its sincere dive deep in love and identity.
The humanity shines through
What sets this film apart? It's how it connects you with its characters. Lee isn't painted as a villain but more as a dreamer, chasing an idyllic vision. Muriel and Julius's queerness isn't rebellion; it emerges naturally, filled with layers and complexities you can't help but appreciate.
The cast nails these nuances. Daisy Edgar-Jones's Muriel radiates intelligence and grit, showcasing feminist undertones. Sasha Calle and Diego Calva inject depth and richness, giving life and soul in every scene. But it's Jacob Elordi who stands out, delivering a performance that's both suave and tender, making Julius a character you won't soon forget.
A tribute celebrating queer love
Though its marketing doesn't fully embrace it, this film's themes are clear—celebrating queer love. By sticking with hints about "secret desires," it risks overshadowing what it's really about. "On Swift Horses" isn't just stuck in nostalgia; it honors how beautiful queer lives are and keeps these themes alive and important.
Ultimately, "On Swift Horses" offers a touching exploration, a reflection on love and identity set in another time but speaking volumes now. It's essential viewing, inviting you in and asking you not just watch, but feel and remember our shared, diverse stories.
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