Sony Pictures Classics is swiftly sendingJacob ElordiandDaisy Edgar-Jonesto theaters with their new neo-western novel adaptation,On Swift Horses. After making waves during its world premiere at last year’sToronto International Film Festival, the star-studded drama is now set to premiere in front of general audiences on April 25, bringing a sweeping tale of queer love, discovery, and fresh starts in the American West. Before that, however, the film will take a brief detour toSXSWwhere it’s set to close out the event which kicks off on March 7.
On Swift Horsesis based on the novel of the same name byShannon Pufahlandcenters on Muriel who, along with her husband Lee is about to start a new life in California following the latter’s return from the Korean War. Their hopes are quickly dashed upon the arrival of Lee’s charming wayward brother, Julius, who is eager to head to Las Vegas despite Lee’s desire for them all to settle down in San Diego. Aftersparking a treacherous love triangleover shared repression, Julius runs off to pursue his secret romance with a gambling man he met at a casino. His decision spurs Muriel to seek something more and defy the conservative era and life she’s in. She begins her own secret life of betting on racehorses, discovering an unexpected love along the way upon meeting her neighbor, Sandra.
Bringing this complicated romantic tale to life is Emmy winnerDaniel Minahan, who previously directedDeadwood: The Movieand has helmed episodes ofGame of Thrones,American Crime Story, andFellow Travelers. The screenplay, meanwhile, was penned byBryce Kass. Together, they sought to make an adaptation of Pufahl’s novel that stood the test of time as it addressed the ever-relevant issue of queer love and repression. Inan interview with Collider’sSteve Weintraubat TIFF, Minahan explained how the decision to make a period piece allowed the duo to open viewers up to history while giving them more freedom in exploring its themes:
“Because it’s a film about people trying to find love in a time that’s unsympathetic to them, it has a timeless quality to it. It’s about a lot of different types of love and affection that maybe at that time didn’t have names like we do today, but it addresses all of these ideas. That was important to me. By making it a period film, it gave us the freedom to really explore these things without having to look at them through a contemporary lens.”
‘On Swift Horses’ Features a Stable Full of Stars
While the duo of Elordi and Edgar-Jones as Muriel and Julius already bring a lot of star power, they had a stellar supporting cast to work with includingWill Poulter,Diego Calva, andSasha Calle.On Swift Horsesis also just the beginning of a packed year for one of its stars. Elordi has several novel adaptations in his future, starting withThe Narrow Road to the Deep Northwhich will be unveiled to the world during Berlinale beginning next week. He’s also bound forGuillermo del Toro’s much-anticipatedFrankensteinthis November, followed byEmerald Fennell’sWuthering Heightsin 2026. Coming offTwisters, Edgar-Jones is decidedly less busy, though she’s set to reunite withherUnder the Banner of Heavenco-starAndrew Garfieldat some point for the still-in-developmentVoyagers.
On Swift Horsesrides onto the big screen on April 25 after appearing as the closing film of SXSW, which runs from March 7 through 15.
On Swift Horses
