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On Swift Horses

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On Swift Horses

R

Released Apr 25

1h 57m

Romance

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

Tomatometer

103 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

50+ Verified Ratings

Muriel and her husband Lee are beginning a bright new life in California when he returns from the Korean War. But their newfound stability is upended by the arrival of Lee's charismatic brother, Julius, a wayward gambler with a secret past. A dangerous love triangle quickly forms. When Julius takes off in search of the young card cheat he's fallen for, Muriel’s longing for something more propels her into a secret life of her own, gambling on racehorses and exploring a love she never dreamed possible.

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Critics Consensus

On Swift Horses capitalizes on a steadfast cast while grappling with contemplatively rich themes of society, sexuality, and morality to a mostly astute end.

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Audience Says

On Swift Horses’ powerful ensemble brings emotional readiness and pedigree to this stylish period piece that is very nice to look at.

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William Bibbiani

TheWrap

Minahan has made a film about embracing life when you’re not legally allowed to, and he refuses to make watching it a misery, no matter how rough it gets.

Apr 26, 2025

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Maxwell Rabb

Chicago Reader

For a movie whose core metaphor is about gambling, On Swift Horses rarely takes risks, sketching superficial characters that are more ideas than real people.

Apr 25, 2025

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

The acting is a saving grace, especially Edgar-Jones’ commitment to nuance and Poulter’s refreshingly shaded Lee, whose depth of awareness at a critical moment is a believable surprise, beautifully handled by the actor.

Apr 25, 2025

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Erik Childress

Movie Madness Podcast

Elordi smolders, Edgar-Jones stares and never the twain shall meet in a film that feels flat when it should be passionate, familiar when it should be dangerous and whose supporting players get better moments than their leads.

Rated: 2/4

May 28, 2025

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Matthew St. Clair

Cinematic Words of a Chaotic Gemini (Substack)

Despite its exuberant look and engaging performances, On Swift Horses having an overly steady pace and some undercooked character development puts it a hare away from greatness.

Rated: B-

May 27, 2025

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Mark Meszoros

The News-Herald (Willoughby, OH)

A film you sit with for a while after finishing it, On Swift Horses says as much with desire-filled glances and uncomfortable silences as it does with the words penned by screenwriter Bryce Kass.

Rated: 3/4

May 22, 2025

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Veronica Gomez

It’s an excellent film!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/07/25

Full Review

Roy

We walked out in the middle of the. Movie after they showed men kissing each other.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

05/05/25

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Kent

Intriguing story line, but didnt quite hit the mark. Some content didnt make sense.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/05/25

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Paul K

Very well acted and the ending was moving. Several people in my group found it slow but I was entertained and engaged the entire time. Definitely more of a niche appeal.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/05/25

Full Review

Stephen T

everything about this movie worked for me....the casting, performances, soundtrack, period costumes and sets and pacing. i loved the intimacy of the dialogue.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/25

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Scott D

Great acting, a great story, a true Indi- like film

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/25

Full Review

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Daniel Minahan

Director

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Muriel

Jacob Elordi

Julius

Will Poulter

Lee

Diego Calva

Henry

Sasha Calle

Sandra

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On Swift Horses: Featurette - Queen of Hearts

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On Swift Horses: Featurette - A Deeper Look with Daisy Edgar-Jones

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On Swift Horses: Teaser Trailer

1:00

On Swift Horses: Trailer 1

2:10

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Synopsis

Muriel and her husband Lee are beginning a bright new life in California when he returns from the Korean War. But their newfound stability is upended by the arrival of Lee's charismatic brother, Julius, a wayward gambler with a secret past. A dangerous love triangle quickly forms. When Julius takes off in search of the young card cheat he's fallen for, Muriel’s longing for something more propels her into a secret life of her own, gambling on racehorses and exploring a love she never dreamed possible.

Director: Daniel Minahan
Producer: Tim Headington, Mollye Asher, Daniel Minahan, Theresa Steele Page, Peter Spears, Michael D'Alto
Screenwriter: Bryce Kass
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Ley Line Entertainment, FirstGen Content, Cor Cordium, Wavelength, The Dan Corp
Rating: R (Nudity|Some Language|Sexual Content)
Genre: Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 25, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 27, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $862.3K
Runtime: 1h 57m

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