We’re Not in Kansas Anymore- ON SWIFT HORSES

by Jason Godbey

Stunning, stylish, passionate, suave, daring, debonair, smoldering, slick, and so-50s-cool that Arthur Fonzerelli would be envious. That’s just some of the ways to describe the new drama from director Daniel Minahan, On Swift Horses starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, and Diego Calva.

Julius (Elordi) is a rogue, card-sharp, grifter/gambler who acts as though he’s seen every James Dean movie at least twice. Lee (Poulter) is Julius’s brother. His plan is to get out of Kansas and move to California with the love of his life and his brother just as soon as she agrees to marry him- a happy life with the perfect wife. Muriel (Edgar-Jones) loves Lee but finds herself in a quandary. Down deep she knows she can’t live his dream even if she doesn’t quite have one of her own. Instead she seeks happiness by finding her own independence. She secretly gambles on horse races and hides her winnings and explores her sexuality with her neighbor Sandra (Sasha Calle).

On Swift Horses is a coming of age tale that tackles themes of self-exploration and sexual awakening. It’s about the inner restlessness that burns within and goes against conventions of heteronormativity in an age when that was truly dangerous. It’s about pursuing passion over security in a time when the American Dream was still alive and well, and everyone seemed to subscribe to it.

The film has all the elements of greatness- a strong ensemble, beautiful cinematography and design. It’s a painting by Edward Hopper with moving pictures reminiscent of Terrance Mallick and Tom Ford. Unfortunately the movie might be a victim of its own style. Everything and everyone in this movie is stunning. Every shot is beautiful, and every actor looks like they just stepped out of a 50s themed photoshoot by Vanity Fair, all of which can take you out of the story. It feels more like a beautiful object of design rather than a story to be believed.

Overall it’s a showcase for everyone involved. Even though it can be seen as more a styles-and-vibes picture, all of the performances are extraordinary, and the technical elements are second to none. I feel this movie will find a niche audience rather than have a mass appeal, and that audience will love it.

Originally published at http://behindtherabbitproductions.wordpress.com on March 7, 2025.