On Swift Horses Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need to Know
Amidst the sun-soaked backdrop of post-Korean War California, a tale of three lives intersects in this potent drama about to begin. Sony Pictures Classics has set an April 25, 2025, theatrical release date for “On Swift Horses,” the buzzy, lauded adaptation of Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel that thrilled people at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
On Swift Horses Release Date
Following its successful theatrical release on April 25, 2025, On Swift Horses became available for digital rental and purchase on platforms such as Amazon Video and Apple TV on May 27, 2025.
This allowed a broader audience to experience the film’s poignant story beyond theaters. Additionally, the DVD edition was officially released on June 24, 2025, providing collectors and physical media enthusiasts with the opportunity to own the film.
Although streaming rights have not been formally announced, the film is expected to arrive on Netflix by August 2025, in line with Sony Pictures Classics’ traditional release timeline.
The Emotional Journey Behind On Swift Horses
The movie follows Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her husband, Lee (Will Poulter), as they begin building their American dream in Southern California after Lee returns from military duty.
Their carefully constructed world begins to wobble when Lee’s broodingly magnetic younger brother, Julius (Jacob Elordi), comes to visit, sending subtle shockwaves that will alter all three characters irrevocably.
Director Daniel Minahan applies a light touch to this period romance, tracking the societal pressures of 1950s America against the characters’ quest for true intimacy. The story chronicles how some people followed their hearts in the face of overwhelming social pressure to conform to conventional relationships.
“I was trying to get that feeling of longing for something you can’t name,” Minahan said in a recent interview. “These characters are finding ways into parts of themselves they didn’t know existed within them, and they’re doing all this in the context of a rapidly changing America.”
The screenplay, by Bryce Kass, skims Pufahl’s emotional prose while adding a visual dimension that brings the era to life. Luc Montpellier’s cinematography washes the California scenes with golden light; in Las Vegas, Julius finds wealth and romance in the shops lit by neon.
On Swift Horses Plotline
Starring some of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars, the film’s performances are already creating buzz heading into the awards season. Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers a nuanced performance as Muriel, a woman whose placid demeanor masks a daring soul willing to risk everything for genuine contentment.
“Muriel is boxed in by what society wants her to be,” Edgar-Jones said at the film’s TIFF premiere. “It’s about her path toward self-discovery, and the risks she had to take that women were taught they shouldn’t take in that period.”
Jacob Elordi makes a power move as Julius, proving his range beyond the heartthrob roles that made him a sensation. Critics have been especially laudatory of his chemistry with Diego Calva, who stars as Henry, the casino worker who wins Julius’s heart in Las Vegas.
“The love story of Julius and Henry is timeless and specific to that time,” one critic wrote after seeing the film at TIFF. “Elordi and Calva create magic on screen, and we feel the danger and joy of their forbidden relationship.
Will Poulter rounds out the central trio as Lee, a man torn between old-world notions of masculinity and unconditional love for his wife and brother. Sasha Calle delivers a breakout performance as Sandra, the young woman Muriel meets who enters her life and opens a door to feelings she would never have thought to experience.
On Swift Horses Star Cast List
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daisy Edgar-Jones | Muriel | A young woman seeking self-discovery through love, risk, and reinvention. |
| Jacob Elordi | Julius | Lee’s magnetic brother, who finds love and liberation in Las Vegas. |
| Will Poulter | Lee | Muriel’s husband is torn between tradition and unconditional love. |
| Diego Calva | Henry | A Las Vegas casino worker who falls in love with Julius. |
| Sasha Calle | Sandra | Muriel’s neighbor, who helps her rediscover desire and emotional honesty. |
| Kat Cunning | Gail | A supporting figure tied to Muriel’s life in Southern California. |
| Don Swayze | Terence | A gambler with deep ties to the underground racing and betting scene. |
Awards Consideration and Box Office Performance
By mid-2025, On Swift Horses had secured its first award nomination, a testament to its artistic impact and growing fan base. Although it has not yet won any major prizes, the film remains a contender in several independent film circuits. It is expected to receive additional recognition during the fall awards season. The buzz around its cast performances and screenplay continues to build momentum.
At the box office, the film achieved a respectable domestic gross of approximately $2.3 million. For a character-driven indie romance with mature themes and a period setting, this is considered a successful performance, particularly given its niche appeal and non-mainstream marketing approach. Its continued digital sales and anticipated streaming debut are expected to expand its reach.
Musical Additions and Emotional Resonance
The soundtrack has continued to resonate with audiences. A standout original ballad, “Song for Henry” by Loren Kramar and Sean O’Brien, has become emblematic of the emotional heart of the film, especially in scenes between Julius and Henry.
The song adds a haunting tenderness that deepens the emotional stakes and complements the film’s nostalgic tone. This, combined with classic 1950s covers like “Mr. Blue,” has solidified the film’s audio identity as much as its visual one.
How To Watch On Swift Horses
On Swift Horses opens in theaters nationwide on April 25, 2025, through Sony Pictures Classics. After its big-screen debut, the movie will likely be available for rent and purchase on digital platforms around three months after release.
Although streaming rights haven’t been confirmed, Sony Pictures Classics movies typically appear on either Netflix or Hulu within six months of their theatrical release. International viewers will be able to see the film in select theaters throughout Europe starting on April 0, 2025.
Metropolitan Filmexport handles French distribution, and Beta Fiction Spain is fielding the film for a July 202 release. For local listings and theater information, see Kino Lorber.
And Navigating Identity Through Freedom
At its core, “On Swift Horses” is about how people find and show who they are in a time when the world was trying to force them into one mold. Each main character embarks on a parallel journey of self-discovery, making choices that offer them both freedom and complications.
That night, Julius meets Henry in Las Vegas, and they fall in love, but this is an outlaw world where their love is unlawful. Mur el finds passion at the racetrack and in Sandra’s arms, calling into question her expectations of what happiness means. However, Lee also has questions about family, loyalty, and acceptance.
Yet, within the harsh realities of our world, the film also tenderly depicts how these figures carve out space to be themselves in a society with little room for difference. The bravery in leading honest lives at significant risk speaks to modern audiences without sacrificing historical accuracy.
FAQ
Who stars in On Swift Horses?
The cast includes Daisy Edgar-Jones as Muriel, Jacob Elordi as Julius, Will Poulter as Lee, Diego Calva as Henry, and Sasha Calle as Sandra.
When does On Swift Horses come out in theaters?
The theatrical release date in the US is set for April 25, 2025, by Sony Pictures Classics.
Is On Swift Horses a book?
Yes, the film is based on Shannon Pufahl’s acclaimed 2019 novel of the same name (with a screenplay by Bryce Kass).
What is the film rated?
Although an official MPAA rating has not yet been released, the film features mature themes and suggestive scenes, so it is likely to be rated R.
Filming Locations of On Swift
Horses Principal photography was set in Los Angeles, with stages created to evoke 1950s San Diego and Las Vegas.
Final Thoughts
“On Swift Horses” is a vital addition to character-based cinema. It’s a look at lives rarely seen from this period. As viewers prepare for its April release, the film remains a testament to how the past continues to inform our understanding of identity, love, and the courage to live truthfully.
Table of Contents