Gayety

Tag: On Swift Horses

  • Netflix Heartthrobs Unite for Medieval Horror Film ‘Rapture’

    Netflix Heartthrobs Unite for Medieval Horror Film ‘Rapture’

    Get ready for a frightfully fabulous blend of historical drama and zombie horror. Netflix stars Kit Connor and Manu Ríos are stepping back in time — and into the undead — for the upcoming feature Rapture, joining On Swift Horses actor Will Poulter in what promises to be a haunting, high-stakes thriller set in 14th-century England.

     

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    A Plague of Biblical Proportions

    According to a synopsis first reported by Deadline, Rapture unfolds in the year 1348, within the isolated walls of Lansley Abbey, a medieval Yorkshire monastery home to ten devout monks. Their routine lives of prayer and preservation are thrown into disarray when a mysterious messenger arrives bearing two things: a grim warning and a deadly illness.

    The affliction spreads quickly and grotesquely — beginning with hemorrhagic fever and ending with the rise of the infected as “revenants,” or undead beings. As the world outside begins to rot, the monks inside are faced with escalating tensions, moral conflict, and the ultimate question: should they throw open their gates in compassion, or close ranks to protect the sacred knowledge housed within?

    Blood, Betrayal and Bisexual Energy

    With Heartstopper’s Kit Connor and Élite star Manu Ríos headlining alongside the ever-versatile Will Poulter, queer fans are especially buzzing over the cast lineup — though any LGBTQ+ plotlines remain unconfirmed. Still, hopes are high (and jokes are flying) about potential “monk-on-monk” moments.

    Behind the camera is Jordan Tannahill, a Governor General’s Literary Award-winning playwright making his feature film debut. A noted voice in LGBTQ+ arts and culture, Tannahill’s involvement is raising expectations for both substance and scares.

    “We have all been blown away by the vision Jordan has for Rapture,” said Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of HanWay Films. “It is rare to have such an atmospheric and terrifying zombie horror film that inhabits such an authentic historical world, with complex characters grappling with the biggest moral dilemmas.”

    Coming Soon to a Cloister Near You

    Rapture is set to begin production later this year in Hungary, with additional casting to be announced. While no release date has been confirmed, the film is already drawing interest for its genre-blending premise and bold casting.

    Whether it delivers theological introspection or just hot monks fighting zombies, one thing is certain: Rapture has the makings of a cult hit.

    Stay tuned for more updates — and maybe, just maybe, a little undead romance.

  • Jacob Elordi Turns Heads in New Behind-the-Scenes Photos from ‘On Swift Horses’

    Jacob Elordi Turns Heads in New Behind-the-Scenes Photos from ‘On Swift Horses’

    New behind-the-scenes images of Jacob Elordi on the set of On Swift Horses have been released — and yes, fans, they’re just as dreamy as you’d hope.

    Following months of buzz and building anticipation, the Daniel Minahan-directed film officially galloped into U.S. theaters on Friday, April 25. The movie is based on Shannon Pufahl’s acclaimed novel of the same name and weaves a tale of longing, love, and life on the emotional edge.

    Set in the 1950s, the film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Will Poulter as newlyweds Muriel and Lee, who leave behind Kansas City to start anew in sunny San Diego. But things take a turn when Lee’s enigmatic brother Julius, played by Elordi, shows up with charm, secrets, and a dangerous past that throws everything off course.

    According to the official synopsis, a “dangerous love triangle quickly forms.” When Julius takes off in search of a young card cheat he’s fallen for, Muriel begins a secret double life — gambling on racehorses and discovering a kind of love she never knew she craved.

    In celebration of the film’s U.S. release, Entertainment Weekly shared a stunning collection of behind-the-scenes photographs taken by artist Jack Pierson. The images showcase the film’s vintage aesthetic, complete with period-perfect costumes, dramatic lighting, and, of course, Elordi’s effortlessly cool screen presence.

    One standout image shows Elordi mid-scene in a moody casino setting. Another captures Edgar-Jones in full 1950s glam. And yes, two of the images show Elordi shirtless — a cinematic tradition, at this point.

    “The first scene I came in on wound up being the first scene in the movie, although they’d been shooting for a week,” Elordi told EW. “This is where Daisy’s character first encounters Jacob’s. I hope it makes you think of Edward Hopper.”

    The photo set also includes solo portraits of the main cast, including Diego Calva, who plays Elordi’s on-screen love interest. “Diego’s hair was perfection,” Pierson recalled, “but when it came time to shoot, the wind really came up and wouldn’t stop! It doesn’t matter, though, because those eyes triumphed.”

    Elordi recently described the project to Vanity Fair as “a sprawling, epic, non-generic love story” and emphasized its universal themes. He also opened up about building chemistry with Calva, revealing they spent a week rehearsing intensively in a motel room. “Dan gave us a lot of freedom to play and to find that love within those four walls,” he said.

    Calva, for his part, praised Elordi as a “methodic actor” and added that their personalities complemented each other. “We rehearsed together. I felt safe all the time,” Calva shared with Film Updates. He even mentioned they bonded over a shared love of Pokémon on Nintendo Switch.

    While the film is now showing in U.S. cinemas, international fans will need a bit more patience. On Swift Horses is set to debut in France on April 30 under the title Les Indomptés, and in Spain on July 25. A UK release date has not yet been announced.

  • Diego Calva Opens Up About Intimate Scenes with Jacob Elordi in ‘On Swift Horses’: ‘He’s Like a God!’

    Diego Calva Opens Up About Intimate Scenes with Jacob Elordi in ‘On Swift Horses’: ‘He’s Like a God!’

    Mexican actor Diego Calva is pulling back the curtain on what it was like to film intense, intimate scenes with co-star Jacob Elordi in the upcoming queer period drama On Swift Horses, calling the experience both “intimidating” and emotionally profound.

    The film, based on Shannon Pufahl’s acclaimed novel of the same name, is set against the backdrop of post-war America and centers on a love triangle — and ultimately a love quadrangle — involving a married couple and two of the husband’s closest companions.

    Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Muriel, a young woman stuck in a strained marriage to Lee, portrayed by Will Poulter. The narrative takes a complicated turn when Muriel finds herself emotionally drawn to Lee’s younger brother Julius (Jacob Elordi). But the emotional core of the film ultimately pivots to the forbidden and passionate affair between Julius and Henry (Diego Calva), a mysterious figure Julius meets in a Las Vegas casino.

    An Intimidating Co-Star

    In a recent interview with Attitude magazine, Calva shared his candid thoughts on filming nude scenes with Elordi, who gained international fame through roles in Euphoria and Saltburn.

    “Believe me, being naked around Jacob Elordi is intimidating!” Calva said during his cover story. “He’s like a god — he’s too perfect! It’s hard not to do a hot scene with Jacob shirtless!”

    While the light-hearted comment drew laughs, Calva made it clear that the film’s intimate scenes were handled with care and deep emotional intent. Rather than being gratuitous, the nudity and sex scenes were designed to convey the tenderness and vulnerability of true love.

    A Story Rooted in Love, Not Tragedy

    Directed by Dan Minahan (The L Word, Game of Thrones), On Swift Horses is part of a new wave of queer cinema that focuses on complex characters and meaningful relationships, rather than tragedy-driven narratives.

    “[Director Dan Minahan] told us, ‘I don’t want to provoke the audience. This is about actual love,’” Calva revealed. “He didn’t want the classic story of tragedy around queer characters, followed by kinky sex scenes. These are two sweet guys who really fall in love.”

    Calva describes his character, Henry, as “wilder and more dangerous in the streets,” but with Julius, he reveals a softer, more vulnerable side. “When they’re inside the hotel room, in their own world, because they have to hide from the actual world — they’re kids,” Calva said, explaining how the film depicts an innocence within a secret, sacred space.

    In trying to describe the emotional tone of their romance, Calva added, “It’s like when you fall in love for the first time when you’re eight. You fall in love with your cousin or your teacher. Something really sweet, platonic, in a way.”

    A New Chapter in Queer Storytelling

    On Swift Horses has already been named one of the most anticipated LGBTQ+ films of 2025, joining a promising slate that includes Olivia Colman’s Jimpa and Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor’s The History of Sound, a gay romance set during World War I.

    With a high-profile cast and bold storytelling, On Swift Horses is expected to make a splash when it hits U.S. theaters on April 25. A release date for the U.K. and Australia has yet to be confirmed.

    The film is also part of a larger conversation about the types of queer stories being told on screen. Rather than leaning into trauma or using LGBTQ+ characters as tragic symbols, On Swift Horses offers a narrative centered on desire, emotional intimacy, and survival in a repressive society.

    Elordi, who continues to expand his acting range following recent performances in Priscilla and Saltburn, will also appear later this year as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s highly anticipated adaptation of Wuthering Heights. His casting in that project has sparked mixed reactions, but his performance in On Swift Horses is already being praised for its nuance and chemistry with Calva.

    Calva, best known for his role in Narcos: Mexico, says he’s proud to be part of a film that treats queer love with honesty and respect.

    “It’s a movie about love — not shame, not punishment,” he said. “It was a joy to work on something that tells our stories in a way that is both tender and real.”

    As Hollywood continues to push for more inclusive storytelling, On Swift Horses may stand as a landmark entry in the growing canon of queer cinema — one that dares to center love, not loss, and passion, not pain.

    On Swift Horses opens in U.S. theaters on April 25. Stay tuned for international release dates and festival appearances throughout the summer.

  • Jacob Elordi Stars in ‘On Swift Horses,’ A Queer Love Story of Hope, Self-Discovery, and Embracing Desire

    Jacob Elordi Stars in ‘On Swift Horses,’ A Queer Love Story of Hope, Self-Discovery, and Embracing Desire

    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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    A post shared by On Swift Horses (@onswifthorsesfilm)

    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.

  • Jacob Elordi’s Queer Drama On Swift Horses Gets Release Date

    Jacob Elordi’s Queer Drama On Swift Horses Gets Release Date

    Jacob Elordi, best known for his roles in Euphoria and Saltburn, is set to star in the upcoming queer drama On Swift Horses. The film, which is based on Shannon Pufahl’s acclaimed novel, will be released in the U.S. on April 25.

    On Swift Horses takes place in the 1950s and follows the complex lives of its central characters. Elordi plays Julius, a Korean War veteran who transitions into a gambler. The film explores his intricate relationships with a married couple, Muriel and Lee, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People) and Will Poulter (The Bear, The Maze Runner). Despite her marriage to Lee, Muriel finds herself drawn to Julius, the younger brother of her husband, setting the stage for a compelling love triangle.

    While Julius and Muriel are separated by distance, their connection remains strong. As the story unfolds, Julius embarks on a passionate affair with Henry, portrayed by Diego Calva (Narcos: Mexico), whom he meets in a Las Vegas casino. The love triangle at the heart of the film examines themes of longing, identity, and forbidden desire, set against the backdrop of post-war America.

    The film also showcases a talented ensemble cast, including Andrew Keenan-Bolger, known for his work in theater, adding another layer of depth to the story. The movie has garnered significant attention since its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September, particularly for its “dream-like” queer sex scenes, which have been described as both intimate and powerful.

    The film is directed by Daniel Minahan, whose previous work includes directing episodes of Game of Thrones, True Blood, and Fellow Travelers. Minahan said he was particularly drawn to On Swift Horses because it offers “a re-imagining of the American dream, except through a queer lens.” He noted that Pufahl’s novel tells the story of characters who are “hiding themselves, watching, exploring, and trying to find themselves.” Minahan emphasized that the narrative is not tragic, but ends on a hopeful note—a key element that he and his team were committed to preserving.

    “I was really attracted to the idea that these characters connect in a way that feels like a search for something deeper, but it’s not tragic,” Minahan said. “It’s a story about exploration and hope, which felt like something important to me.”

    The screenplay for On Swift Horses was adapted by Bryce Kass, whose writing credits include Lizzie (2018). Kass’ script brings Pufahl’s novel to life with vivid character development and emotional depth, carefully balancing the historical setting with contemporary themes of identity and love.

    The film also marks a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, with its exploration of queer love in a 1950s setting—a time when such relationships were often hidden from view. The film is expected to resonate with audiences who are drawn to narratives of self-discovery, love, and the pursuit of personal freedom, set against the constraints of societal expectations.

    Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi’s chemistry is one of the key draws of the film, with critics already praising their performances. Elordi’s portrayal of Julius promises to be both intense and vulnerable, while Edgar-Jones brings a sense of longing and complexity to Muriel’s character. Together, the pair creates a compelling dynamic that is sure to captivate audiences.

    The film’s atmosphere is enhanced by its striking visuals and evocative cinematography, which transports viewers to the vibrant yet tense world of mid-20th-century America. With its blend of romance, drama, and queer representation, On Swift Horses is positioned to become a landmark film in both the queer cinema genre and mainstream storytelling.

    Alongside Elordi, Edgar-Jones, Poulter, and Calva, the film features performances from a talented supporting cast, further elevating the story. Minahan’s direction, combined with Kass’ screenplay, ensures that On Swift Horses is not only an exploration of love and identity but also an examination of a pivotal moment in American history.

    As the release date approaches, fans of Elordi and queer cinema alike are eagerly anticipating the film’s debut. On Swift Horses promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness in a world that often tries to keep people hidden.

    For those interested in a unique perspective on love and identity, On Swift Horses is a film to watch out for.