Recent release of “On Swift Horses,” a 2024 romantic drama directed by Daniel Minahan and adapted from Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel, has generated significant interest, particularly given its setting and thematic depth. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the film, its plot, casting, critical reception, and addresses the user’s description involving nuclear explosions, based on current entertainment news and official statements as of April 24, 2025. The analysis aims to clarify the film’s content, explore its reviews, and address any potential misunderstandings.
Key Points
- Research suggests “On Swift Horses” is a 2024 romantic drama set in the 1950s, focusing on love and identity, not nuclear explosions.
- It seems likely the description “Famble Quir Story against Nuclear Explosions” is a misunderstanding, as the film centers on personal relationships.
- The evidence leans toward mixed reviews, praising performances but noting narrative inconsistencies.
Movie Overview
“On Swift Horses” is a romantic drama released in 2024, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi. Set in the 1950s, it follows Muriel and her husband Lee as they start a new life in California after the Korean War, complicated by Lee’s brother Julius, leading to a love triangle. The story explores themes of secret lives, gambling, and forbidden love, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+ experiences.
Review Summary
Reviews are mixed, with a 5.8 rating on IMDb and 60% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 47 reviews. Critics praise the performances, especially by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi, but note the film struggles with narrative focus, feeling like two separate stories that don’t fully mesh. It’s commended for its visual style and depiction of 1950s societal norms.
Clarification on Nuclear Explosions
The film does not involve nuclear explosions; that aspect seems to be a misunderstanding. It focuses on personal and social struggles, not geopolitical issues like nuclear threats.
Film Overview
“On Swift Horses” is set in the 1950s, a period marked by post-war promise and social constraints, particularly for marginalized communities. The narrative follows Muriel and her husband Lee, who are beginning a bright new life in California following Lee’s return from the Korean War. Their stability is upended by the arrival of Lee’s charismatic brother, Julius, a wayward gambler with a secret past, forming a dangerous love triangle. When Julius leaves to pursue a young card cheat he’s fallen for, Muriel embarks on her own secret life, gambling on racehorses and exploring a love she never thought possible. The film delves into themes of secret lives, gambling, and forbidden love, with a strong focus on the LGBTQ+ experience, reflecting the era’s homophobia and social control.
The movie had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2024, and was released in the US by Sony Pictures Classics on April 25, 2025, aligning with the current date’s context. It is directed by Daniel Minahan, with a screenplay by Bryce Kass, and produced by notable figures, ensuring a high-profile production.
Casting Details
The cast includes Daisy Edgar-Jones as Muriel, Jacob Elordi as Julius, Will Poulter as Lee, Diego Calva, and Sasha Calle. Edgar-Jones and Elordi are particularly highlighted for their performances, with Edgar-Jones delivering a “beautifully understated” turn and Elordi noted for his compelling portrayal, contributing to the film’s emotional depth. The casting was announced with significant buzz, given their recent projects and the film’s anticipated exploration of complex relationships.
Addressing the User’s Description
The user’s description, “Famble Quir Story against Nuclear Explosions,” does not align with the film’s content. “Famble Quir” appears to be a typo or misremembered phrase, possibly intended as “family drama” or another genre, given the film’s focus on personal and romantic entanglements rather than a quirky narrative against nuclear themes. The mention of nuclear explosions is also unsupported by the plot, which centers on interpersonal relationships and societal norms, not geopolitical or nuclear issues. The 1950s setting does include Cold War context, such as references to Korean War veterans, but this is more about social dynamics like homophobia than nuclear threats.
Critical Reception
The film has received mixed reviews, with a Tomatometer score of 60% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 47 reviews, and a 5.8 rating on IMDb. Critics have noted its attempt to grapple with rich themes of society, sexuality, and morality, capitalizing on a steadfast cast. However, there is a consensus that it feels like two movies, struggling with narrative focus. For instance, Mark Kennedy from the Associated Press rated it 2/4, stating, “Despite a brilliant performance by Daisy Edgar-Jones, On Swift Horses gets lost in a meandering plot and clunky symbols” ([Associated Press review]([invalid url, do not cite])). Conversely, Randy Myers from the San Jose Mercury News gave it 3.5/4, appreciating its “old-school storytelling style” with a queer sensibility ([San Jose Mercury News review]([invalid url, do not cite])).
Other reviews highlight the performances, with Moira MacDonald from the Seattle Times rating it 3/4, noting, “Nobody in this movie would be out of place in a glamorous old-Hollywood drama, which is kind of what ‘On Swift Horses’ is trying to be — and, most of the time, coming pretty close” ([Seattle Times review]([invalid url, do not cite])). However, some, like Carla Hay from Culture Mix, found it “superficial,” focusing on infatuation rather than depth ([Culture Mix review]([invalid url, do not cite])). Robin Holabird from KUNR praised Edgar-Jones and Elordi for shining in a “wistful look at characters trying to adapt to a world that wants to reshape them” ([KUNR review]([invalid url, do not cite])), while Neely Swanson from Easy Reader criticized it as “a movie told in inadvertent vignettes,” lacking a cohesive whole ([Easy Reader review]([invalid url, do not cite])).
The visual style is often commended, with gorgeous outfits, amazing hair, and a moody atmosphere capturing the 1950s well. The film’s commitment to chronicling hidden queer love is seen as a saving grace, despite narrative shortcomings, as noted in Metacritic reviews ([Metacritic reviews]([invalid url, do not cite])).
Actor Backgrounds and Representation
To provide a fuller picture, here are detailed profiles of the lead actors, including their representation and upcoming projects:
| Detail | Daisy Edgar-Jones | Jacob Elordi |
|---|---|---|
| Role in Film | Muriel (wife in the love triangle) | Julius (Lee’s brother, wayward gambler) |
| Upcoming Projects | – “Twisters” (2024, with Glen Powell) – “On Swift Horses” (2024) | – “Euphoria” Season 3 (HBO, upcoming) – “On Swift Horses” (2024) |
| Notable Past Work | – “Normal People” (2020, Hulu) – “Where the Crawdads Sing” (2022) | – “Euphoria” (2019-2022, HBO) – “Priscilla” (2023) |
| Additional Notes | Represented by WME, known for breakout roles in dramas | Represented by CAA, known for teen drama and indie films |
This table highlights their professional backgrounds, supporting their suitability for these roles in a high-profile drama.
Franchise Context and Legacy
“On Swift Horses” continues the trend of period dramas exploring marginalized narratives, fitting into the legacy of films like “Call Me by Your Name” and “Carol.” Its focus on 1950s queer love adds to the discourse on historical representation, making it relevant for contemporary audiences. The film’s release aligns with a growing interest in diverse storytelling, as seen at recent awards like the 2025 Golden Globes, where similar themes were celebrated.
