Sony Pictures Classics’ upcoming film On Swift Horses is set to make waves in the queer cinema world. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, Sasha Calle, and Kat Cunning, the 1950s-set film explores the challenges and complexities of queer relationships during a time of societal repression. With its tender portrayal of forbidden love and personal discovery, On Swift Horses is poised to join the ranks of iconic queer films.
A Unique Love Story Set in a Repressive Era
The film follows Muriel (Edgar-Jones), who has settled into a seemingly heteronormative life with her husband Lee (Poulter). However, her world is turned upside down by Lee’s chaotic, gambler brother, Julius (Elordi), who introduces Muriel to a life full of risk, passion, and forbidden desires. The film touches on the theme of constant uncertainty, as one character in the trailer states, “It’s all luck, isn’t it? We’re all just a hair’s breadth from losing everything all the time.”
The story is not only a love triangle but also a poignant exploration of the internal and external struggles queer individuals faced in the 1950s. The film’s official description highlights Muriel’s journey, stating that when she and Lee move to California, Muriel is drawn into “a secret life of her own, gambling on racehorses and exploring a love she never dreamed possible.”
Director and Cast Discuss the Film’s Impact
On March 27, Out attended a special screening of On Swift Horses, followed by a panel featuring the director and several key cast members. Director Daniel Minahan shared his excitement about the unique relationship between Muriel and Julius. “They say romantic stories are only as good as the things that are keeping them apart, and this had such a unique drive to it,” he said, emphasizing the film’s unconventional approach to storytelling.
Producer Peter Spears also expressed his admiration for the film’s portrayal of queer relationships. “I’ve never seen a story that looked at queer relationships in quite this way,” he remarked. Spears singled out a “bulletin board scene” in the film as particularly striking, noting that it stayed with him for weeks after reading the script.
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Screenwriter Bryan Kass reflected on the scene’s cinematic potential. “That’s a good clue that [it is] something that could be very cinematic,” he said, underscoring the visual and emotional depth of the narrative.
Nonbinary Actor Kat Cunning Reflects on the Film
Kat Cunning, who portrays Gail in the film, shared their personal connection to the story, especially as a non-binary actor. “I think everyone in this story is living in an era where it’s not totally okay to be who you are, and the fact is, regardless, people are who they are,” Cunning said. They pointed to a moment in the film where Muriel, played by Edgar-Jones, briefly explores her gender identity, which Cunning described as a “fleeting moment” that “got me” due to its emotional honesty.
Cunning further elaborated on what drew them to the film. “As progressive as we are in film these days, we still are kind of stuck in tropes of what a queer person looks like, and what they do,” they said. “The script really felt like it lived between those lines while having the restriction of the era.” Cunning’s remarks underscore the film’s nuanced take on queer identity, focusing on self-discovery in a time when such exploration was fraught with societal risks.
A Refreshing Take on Queerness in Film
Minahan highlighted one of the most refreshing aspects of On Swift Horses—its departure from the typical “victim story” often associated with queer narratives. Instead, the film emphasizes hope and personal freedom. “Each of these characters is pursuing this different life. Normally in this narrative, the queer people are tragic and it ends badly for them. In this one, it ends in hope,” he said. “I thought that was really refreshing.”
The film’s focus on hope, self-determination, and exploring love in an oppressive time offers a contrast to many traditional queer films that often end in tragedy. On Swift Horses provides a hopeful narrative, emphasizing that queer identities are not only valid but capable of flourishing, even in the most restrictive environments.
A Tale of High-Stakes Desire and Gambling
Another compelling aspect of the film is the parallel between queerness and the dangerous world of gambling. On Swift Horses intertwines the thrills of racehorse betting with the risks of embracing one’s sexual identity in a repressive society. The high-stakes nature of gambling mirrors the emotional gambles these characters take as they navigate their desires and relationships. This connection between queerness and risk resonates not only within the 1950s context but continues to strike a chord today.
A New Queer Classic?
On Swift Horses draws comparisons to past queer cinematic classics such as Carol and Brokeback Mountain, but its nuanced portrayal of love and identity sets it apart. The film doesn’t just focus on men or women—it delves into the messy, often confusing space where attraction and desire defy easy labels, making it a refreshing take on bisexuality and queerness. Without revealing too much, the film promises to explore chaotic and complex aspects of love, identity, and sexual orientation in ways that feel both timeless and contemporary.
On Swift Horses premieres April 25 in theaters.
