There's something undeniably magnetic about a film that dares to explore the thin line between love and chaos, luck and loss. On Swift Horses, the latest indie drama from director Daniel Minahan, is one such film—a poetic, enigmatic tale that feels like a whispered secret you can't help but lean in to hear. With its newly released trailer, the film promises to be a sweeping romantic drama that's as much about the horses on the track as it is about the human hearts racing off it.
Set in 1950s America, the story follows Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a young woman whose life takes a sharp turn when her husband Lee (Will Poulter) returns from the Korean War. Just as they begin to build a stable life in California, Lee's charismatic brother Julius (Jacob Elordi) arrives, bringing with him a whirlwind of secrets and a penchant for gambling. What unfolds is a love triangle that's as unpredictable as a high-stakes horse race, with Muriel finding herself drawn into a world of risk and desire she never imagined.
The trailer teases a film that's lush with emotional depth and visual grandeur. Edgar-Jones, fresh off her breakout roles in Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing, delivers a performance that's both vulnerable and fierce. Elordi, riding high on his Euphoria and Saltburn fame, brings a brooding intensity to Julius, while Poulter's Lee is the steady anchor in a story that's anything but. The chemistry between the trio is palpable, and the supporting cast—including Diego Calva and Sasha Calle—adds layers of intrigue to this already rich narrative.
Director Daniel Minahan, known for his work on Deadwood: The Movie and Fellow Travelers, seems to have crafted a film that's both intimate and epic. The screenplay, adapted from Shannon Pufahl's novel by Bryce Kass, weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. The trailer's haunting visuals—sweeping desert landscapes, smoky gambling dens, and the thunder of hooves on a racetrack—hint at a film that's as much about the American dream as it is about the people chasing it.
But what truly sets On Swift Horses apart is its exploration of luck. As one character in the trailer says, “We're all just a hair's breadth away from losing everything.” It's a line that lingers, a reminder that life, much like a horse race, is a gamble. And in Minahan's hands, that gamble feels both thrilling and heartbreaking.
The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival to critical acclaim and is set to screen at SXSW 2025 before its theatrical release on April 25, 2025. With Sony Pictures Classics behind it, On Swift Horses could very well be a dark horse in next year's awards season.
Personal Impressions
On Swift Horses feels like the kind of film that doesn't just tell a story—it immerses you in a world. The trailer alone is a masterclass in mood, with its evocative visuals and emotionally charged performances. Edgar-Jones continues to prove she's one of the most compelling actors of her generation, while Elordi's magnetic presence adds a layer of danger to the narrative. My only reservation? The film's success will hinge on its ability to balance its sweeping scope with the intimate moments that make its characters relatable. If it pulls that off, it could be a masterpiece.
Do you think On Swift Horses has what it takes to be an Oscar contender, or will it be overshadowed by bigger studio releases? What's your favorite film about love and risk?
