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On Swift Horses

On Swift Horses is a 2025 American romantic drama film directed by Daniel Minahan and written by Bryce Kass.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

On Swift Horses is a 2025 American romantic drama film directed by Daniel Minahan and written by Bryce Kass. Adapted from Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel, it is set in the 1950s and follows intersecting queer love stories involving a married couple, a gambler, and a racetrack bettor.

Premise

The film follows Muriel and Lee after Lee returns from the Korean War, and their lives are disrupted by Lee’s brother Julius. As the characters pursue love and independence, the story moves between California and Las Vegas.

Production

On Swift Horses is based on Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel and was adapted for the screen by Bryce Kass. Daniel Minahan directed the film.

Release

The film premiered in the 2024 festival circuit and was released theatrically in 2025. It later became available for streaming and home viewing through distributor-backed digital platforms.

Reception

Reviews described the film as a romantic drama focused on longing, secrecy, and queer desire. Critical responses were mixed, with some praising its atmosphere and others finding the adaptation restrained.

Key facts

  • The film is adapted from Shannon Pufahl’s novel On Swift Horses.
  • It is set in 1950s America and Mexico and centres on queer relationships and desire.
  • The story follows Muriel, Lee, Julius, and Henry across interconnected plotlines.
  • Daniel Minahan directed the film and Bryce Kass wrote the screenplay.
  • The film was released by Sony Pictures Classics and is rated R for sexual content, nudity, and some language.
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Canadian context

The film screened internationally, including at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, making it relevant to Canadian film audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is On Swift Horses about?
It is a 1950s-set romantic drama about interconnected queer relationships involving Muriel, Lee, Julius, and Henry.
Who directed On Swift Horses?
Daniel Minahan directed the film.
What is On Swift Horses based on?
It is based on Shannon Pufahl’s novel of the same name.
Who stars in On Swift Horses?
The main cast includes Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, and Sasha Calle.
When was On Swift Horses released?
It had a theatrical release on April 25, 2025.
What genre is On Swift Horses?
It is a romantic drama with LGBTQ+ themes.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Swift_Horses
    Supports: Plot setting and main characters.
  2. YouTube / official trailer — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa3QRyZXGMQ
    Supports: Cast, premise, director, screenplay, and adaptation from Shannon Pufahl’s novel.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/on_swift_horses
    Supports: Director, screenwriter, distributor, genre, rating, runtime, and release dates.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/movies/on-swift-horses-review.html
    Supports: Runtime, rating, setting, and thematic description.
  5. German Wikipedia — https://www.de.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Swift_Horses
    Supports: TIFF premiere and release information.