Unconventional Romantic Tangle Filled with Twists and Turns - "Swift Horses's Triangle of Unexpected Events"
Title: "On Swift Horses": A Complex Queer Love Story Set against the Backdrop of 1950s America
In rural Kansas of the 1950s, the romantic drama "On Swift Horses" unfolds, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones as Muriel, a young woman who shares a life with her fiancé Lee, a returned Korean War veteran, in a small inherited house. Their life takes an unexpected turn when Lee's charismatic drifter brother, Julius, arrives from his service in Korea.
The dramatic encounter between the three sets the stage for a complex, queer love story. Julius, portrayed by the captivating Jacob Elordi, is a charming outsider whose presence stirs emotions in Muriel. The initial hint of a shared future soon gives way to a tale of hidden relationships, secret desires, and societal norms challenged.
Julius's enigmatic character takes a dangerous turn when he disappears to the gambling town of Las Vegas, where he falls in love with Mexican man Henry, played by Diego Calva. Their relationship is not only a taboo in the 1950s but also illegal, adding a layer of tension to the film's narrative.
Meanwhile, Lee and Muriel move to California, settling into a suburban life with children. However, Muriel's yearnings for something more lead her to participate in horse racing, betting on her own terms, and eventually to explore her sexuality through relationships with women.
Directed by Daniel Minahan, "On Swift Horses" delves into themes of identity, rebellion, and human connection. An erotic and poignant exploration of queer love, the film follows both Muriel and Julius in their search for personal freedom and self-understanding. Minahan's expertise in portraying queer stories, having previously directed the miniseries "Halston," adds a unique touch to the film.
Relevant today against the shifting political climate and the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights under former U.S. President Donald Trump, "On Swift Horses" offers a powerful commentary on acceptance and individuality. Mexican actor Diego Calva, acclaimed for his performances in movies like "Babylon - Rausch der Ekstase" (2022), delivers a captivating portrayal of the gay lover Henry, cementing his place in Hollywood.
The film transcends the typical romantic drama genre, offering a richly layered exploration of queer love and identity, set against the rigid backdrop of midcentury America. "On Swift Horses" promises a thought-provoking journey that challenges societal norms and sheds light on the human struggle for meaning and belonging.
As the narrative progresses, Muriel finds solace in the world of entertainment, particularly horse racing, singing sentimentally, "♪ I'm not going to let you go ♪ ♪ I'm not going to let you go ♪". Meanwhile, politics casts a shadow over her personal life as the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights under former U.S. President Donald Trump becomes a backdrop to the General News.
