Daisy Edgar-Jones Shines in the Meandering Plot of 'On Swift Horses'

In 'On Swift Horses,' directed by Daniel Minahan, viewers are introduced to Muriel, a waitress in 1950s America, who is cast as the ideal housewife. However, beneath her polished exterior lies a tumultuous inner world marked by secret gambling habits and desires for her neighbor, effectively challenging the societal norms of her era. The film, adapted from Shannon Pufahl's novel by screenwriter Bryce Kass, elaborates on themes of repression in a post-Korean War America, specifically concerning LGBTQ+ identities, reflecting the persistent struggle against societal expectations. Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers a stellar performance, encapsulating the struggles of her character with both charm and vulnerability. However, the film has been criticized for its meandering plot structure and reliance on clunky symbolism. Notably, elements like olives, atomic bomb tests, and a horse serve as symbols for suppressed identities but feel overstuffed or disconnected from the narrative. The film's exploration of hidden homosexuality is timely, resonating with contemporary societal discussions that draw parallels to the interview era. It paints a picture of a world where, despite surface-level appearances of normalcy, many are compelled to lead dual lives to navigate societal pressures. The film's undercurrent of desperation and longing finds its voice through the character of Julius, Muriel's brother-in-law, who juxtaposes her story, adding to the film's rich thematic layers. Jacob Elordi and Diego Calva provide compelling supporting roles that further develop the plot's exploration of clandestine relationships, but the shift between the two storylines sometimes dilutes the emotional impact. As noted by the critiques, while the film aims to tackle relevant themes, the execution falters, particularly in its latter half, where the narrative veers towards melodrama. One standout moment is a non-verbal scene between Muriel and her husband, which speaks volumes about the disconnect in their relationship. Edgar-Jones proves adept at conveying this internal conflict, elevating what could have been a flat character into one teeming with complexity and fear of betrayal. However, the film's overall inconsistency leaves audiences yearning for depth where there should be richly textured character development. Ultimately, 'On Swift Horses' has the potential for greatness but falls short in storytelling, failing to fully immerse viewers in the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters. The film carries the weight of its themes but doesn't quite achieve the resonance of similar period pieces such as 'Carol' or 'Moonlight.' With a runtime of 119 minutes and rated R for its content, it certainly pushes boundaries, but unfortunately, sometimes swift horses stumble on the road to achieving greatness.