On Swift Horses is a new film premiered wide in the US this weekend, but had its world premiere on September 7, 2024. Directed by Daniel Minahan, the film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, and Sasha Calle In the 1950s, a seemingly sensible newlywed and her wayward brother-in-law undertake parallel journeys of risk, romance, and self-discovery.

I went into On Swift Horses the right way I prefer to go into any movie: Knowing nothing. All I knew was the cast and that was enough to sell me on it. You have five incredibly talented & gifted actors in one space. Any cinephile or simple fan of any of these actors is sure to get excited by this. Even though I ended up enjoying it, I don’t think the slow pacing and messy structure is going to be for everyone.

The plot is complicated, which may be fitting for who these characters represent. Daisy Edgar-Jones’ character marries Will Poulter’s character, who is also the brother of Jacob Elordi’s character. The trio share dynamic scenes in the beginning. Since I knew nothing about the film, I thought this may either be a thriller or Edgar Jones & Elordi get together in the end. Instead, what transpires for the rest of the film will reshape the way you look at these two characters and why they seem to have a connection.

When you realize where the film is actually going, it can be quite confusing trying to understand it all. The things that Edgar-Jones & Elordi also go through feel convenient. With the two sharing an attraction to the same sex, I couldn’t quite tell how well I could believe this would really happen. As the film goes on though, I appreciated it more as it challenged me into why I felt this way. While I have a hard time believing this would be happening in real time, I think the film sends a stronger message that these humans were just chasing for freedom and love during a time that wasn’t acceptable. I think they saw what they wanted in each other. Instead of attraction, it was admiration they saw in each other.

Trying to tell both stories in the film though can feel like two completely different movies. Just as you have one thing going on in one plot, it feels like you are having to play catch up with the other story. On top of that, just as an important segment of the story started to occur, it would then cut to another one. It could be quite jarring as you try to understand what exactly is going on. Then again, it speaks on how confused these characters feel.

The major plot point in the film follows Edgar-Jones as she not only has to hide her money that she has won from gambling, but also an affair with Sasha Calle’s character, which certainly did feel underwhelming by the end. I’ve always enjoyed Edgar-Jones’ work, but Sasha Calle is a real highlight in anything she is in since 2023’s The Flash. As this affair goes on, Poulter’s character presents hurt & understanding at the same time as the film goes on. It’s hard to believe he’s been in 3 different movies within the last month that all showcase something different for his talents.

When the film cuts to Elordi’s story, he has a secret relationship with Diego Calva’s story. Their chemistry is believable, but I still feel like Calva is underutilized. That’s coming from a Babylon. I just wish he was doing bigger things. This story is anchored by an incredible performance from Elordi that show that puts him in a vulnerable place. I think the conclusion of this story will challenge viewers’ expectations. As I ponder on it longer, the more I think the ending ends on a high note.

While the film is filled with thematic messages and incredible performances, the structure can be messy, leading to a slow-burn pacing. Just as I thought the film was about to end, it goes on for at least another 30 minutes as it doesn’t totally know where to end even it did end at the right time. I can see viewers growing bored by the pacing. The production design, however, feels authentic to the film’s setting that immerses you into the story.

Overall, On Swift Horses has mixed results across the board, but the ending elevated my enjoyment for it to find it good. I don’t think this is a film that people are going to want to rush out to see. If you are a fan of the talent, then I can see viewers going and enjoying the performances. It’s a film filled with interesting themes that will make you think about what you just saw when the credits hit.

VERDICT: 3/5 (Good)