"Examination of Love, Self, and Journey of Self-Realization through 'On Swift Horses'"
Living on the Edge:
Welcome to the world of On Swift Horses, a poignant, romantic drama that explores the struggles and triumphs of individuals in the 1950s who didn't fit society's mold. Screenwriter Bryce Kass says, "The 1950s were a time when those living on the margins were limited in their freedom, their self-expression, and being true to themselves."
Based on Shannon Pufahl's 2019 novel, On Swift Horses is a masterpiece, directed by Daniel Minahan and adapted for the screen by Bryce Kass. This adaptation offers a profound emotional journey, filled with complex relationships and societal expectations. With stellar performances, stunning cinematography, and a rich storyline, the film strikes a chord in contemporary cinema.
The film dives deep into the human connection, showcasing the struggles of the protagonists with breathtaking depth. Minahan, along with producers Peter Spears, were on the hunt for a compelling love story and found just that in Pufahl's unique book. Kass, working closely with Minahan and Spears, brought the characters and themes to life on the big screen.
Finding Inspiration: From Book to Screenplay
Kass embraced the challenge of adapting Pufahl's rich prose into a cinematic experience. He talks about his inspiration: "It was during summer lockdown that I read the book. I was immediately struck because I had never seen characters like this before." He targeted the novel's influences from queer writers like Gore Vidal, James Baldwin, and Patricia Highsmith, as well as film noir and melodrama, shaping the screenplay's tone and style.
The adaptation process was meticulous, with Kass focusing on translating the novel's complex structure, finding ways to externalize the characters' emotions, refining dialogue, restructuring scenes, and ensuring the film's pacing matched the emotional depth of the novel.
Bringing Characters to Life
Principal actors were drawn to the screenplay for its emotionally charged storyline and historical significance. Their performances add layers of depth to this thought-provoking film.
Jacob Elordi's portrayal of Julius highlights his character's journey of self-discovery and the exploration of identity and personal freedom. Will Poulter, as Lee, delves into themes of masculinity and repression. Diego Calva, as Henry, brings to life a character grappling with societal pressures and concealed queer lives in the 1950s. Sasha Calle's performance as Sandra is defined by the emotional depth and honesty in depicting unconventional relationships. Daisy Edgar-Jones, as Muriel, adds nuance to her character's self-discovery, unconventional relationships, and personal growth.
The actors worked collaboratively with Kass, Minahan, and other team members to ensure their performances resonated with the essence of the novel, making the characters feel authentic on screen.
Director Minahan emphasizes that the film's approach to intimacy "transcends even sexuality," particularly in the relationship between Julius and Muriel. The bond between them is shown as a transformative, platonic romance that provides emotional depth beyond traditional romantic connections. Muriel's journey also involves exploring her own desires, particularly through her relationships with Sandra and others, showcasing the emotional complexities of love.
A Film of Theme and Depth
On Swift Horses is a powerful exploration of love, identity, and personal discovery, set against the backdrop of 1950s America. The film delves into love's various forms, showcasing the emotional complexities of relationships. It also tackles identity, self-discovery, and society's expectations, with characters grappling with their authentic selves within the confines of societal expectations. The visual and narrative style of the film, with its dreamy ambiance and storytelling, captures the essence of changing times while asking profound questions about love, identity, and self-discovery.
Catch On Swift Horses on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. It had a limited theatrical release on April 25, 2025, and became available on VOD platforms starting May 27, 2025. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking, cinematic masterpiece!
In this world of "On Swift Horses," the film seamlessly blends elements of lifestyle, as it delves into the complexities of personal relationships and self-discovery in the 1950s. The movie offers a captivating exploration of fashion-and-beauty, with each character embodying a unique sense of style that mirrors their inner struggles and eventual transformations. Moreover, the film's engrossing narrative in movies-and-tv, including intricate relationships and societal expectations, adds depth to the entertainment genre, providing a thought-provoking and emotional journey for its audience.
