On Swift Horses (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“On Swift Horses” gallops into 2025 as one of the most daring adaptations of mid-century American literature, combining vintage romance, secrets, repressed desires, and a magnetic cast. Directed by Daniel Minahan and based on Shannon Pufahl’s novel, the film centers on Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a young newlywed embarking on a journey of self-discovery that takes unexpected turns once her brother-in-law Julius (Jacob Elordi) enters her life.
From war-torn hearts to hidden passions in 1950s America, the movie isn’t just a period piece—it’s a slow-burning portrait of people wrestling with identity, repression, and the allure of risk. Yet, with all its glossy aesthetics and A-list cast, does it fulfill the high expectations it sets? And more importantly, where can audiences in the U.S. watch it online?
Watch Movie Online: Streaming Availability of On Swift Horses
As of the time of writing (April 2025), On Swift Horses is not yet available on any streaming platforms. The film has recently premiered in select theaters and festivals, and its digital release is expected to follow shortly.
However, based on distribution trends and similar releases, here are the likely platforms where the movie might debut:
| Platform | Availability | Expected Date (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | ❌ Not yet | Late Q2 2025 |
| Amazon Prime Video | ❌ Not yet | Summer 2025 (Rental/Blu-ray) |
| Apple TV (Rental) | ❌ Not yet | Mid-May 2025 |
| Hulu | ❌ Not confirmed | Possibly Fall 2025 |
| Peacock/Paramount+ | ❌ Not likely | Unconfirmed |
Keep an eye on JustWatch for up-to-date availability and streaming options across platforms in the U.S.
For official updates, trailers, behind-the-scenes content, and theatrical news, visit the movie’s official website.
A Lush Visual Experience with Conflicting Emotions
From its first frame, “On Swift Horses” is a visual stunner. The cinematography by Luc Montpellier echoes golden-age Hollywood but with a dusty, washed-out palette that feels both vintage and emotionally barren. Every shot of a Nevada sunset or smoky poker hall feels purposeful.
Muriel’s quiet rebellion begins with horse gambling but spirals into forbidden relationships and internal awakenings. Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Muriel with a curious detachment—sometimes alluring, sometimes disjointed. You want to root for her, yet you often don’t understand her.
Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi, channeling a modern-day Montgomery Clift, imbues Julius with magnetic vulnerability and subtle chaos. His chemistry with Diego Calva’s Henry is undeniable, but frustratingly underdeveloped—suggesting more than it shows.
The Narrative Maze: A Love Polygon That Loses Its Shape
Promised as a triangle, the story spirals into a polygon of emotional confusion. The film tries to juggle too many desires—queer longing, social alienation, post-war trauma, and mid-century Americana—but drops several threads along the way.
The relationship dynamics often feel rushed or unresolved. Julius and Henry’s storyline sizzles but lacks emotional stakes. Muriel’s subplot with Sandra offers potential but is skimmed over in favor of scattered romantic detours.
Despite this, the movie deserves credit for not spoon-feeding its viewers. The emotional ambiguity may frustrate some but rewards those who appreciate slow-burn character studies.
Acting Performances: Strength in Faces, Not Always in Script
Jacob Elordi proves he’s more than a pretty face. His portrayal of Julius—a charming cardsharp haunted by war and desire—is subtle, seductive, and emotionally complex. His scenes with Diego Calva crackle with electricity, though the script does little to explore their relationship’s emotional roots.
Daisy Edgar-Jones, while radiant in appearance, occasionally stumbles in delivering Muriel’s internal conflict. Her arc suffers from poor pacing, often meandering without clear motivation.
Will Poulter, playing Lee, Muriel’s loyal husband, is the film’s weakest link. His blandness might be intentional—a symbol of mid-century domestic conformity—but it drags down scenes needing emotional tension.
The Music and Production Design: Subtle and Sweeping
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its mood. The score, moody and orchestral, captures the loneliness of desert nights and the thrill of stolen touches. It’s haunting in a good way—minimalistic but powerful.
Set design is richly detailed, from dusty Vegas casinos to dimly lit attics filled with secrets. The aesthetic is consistent and immersive, helping ground the film when the story occasionally loses focus.
Critique: Beautiful but Hollow in Places
Some viewers will walk away feeling enriched by the atmosphere, while others may leave confused or underwhelmed. The film’s pacing, especially in the final third, stumbles. Several subplots dissolve without resolution, and the central themes—freedom, risk, identity—don’t always hit as hard as they should.
Is On Swift Horses trying too hard to be poetic? Perhaps. But even its missteps are earnest. It’s a movie that values tone over tension, aesthetic over plot. And while it may not work for everyone, its ambition is admirable.
Streaming Options: What’s Next?
While On Swift Horses is not available online yet, it is expected to debut on premium platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+ for rent or purchase by mid-2025, followed by potential inclusion in subscription services by late 2025.
Until then, theatergoers or those following its limited release schedule are your best bet.
🔗 Bookmark JustWatch for updates
🔗 Visit the official site here
FAQs About On Swift Horses (2025)
Is On Swift Horses streaming now?
No. As of April 2025, it’s not yet available for streaming. Keep checking JustWatch for updates.
What platforms might stream On Swift Horses?
Likely platforms include Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hulu, and possibly Netflix by late 2025.
Who are the main cast members in On Swift Horses?
The film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, and Diego Calva.
Is On Swift Horses based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the novel On Swift Horses by Shannon Pufahl.
What’s the main theme of the film?
The film explores identity, forbidden love, emotional repression, and personal freedom in post-war 1950s America.
Where can I find more about the movie?
Visit the official website for trailers, cast details, and more.
Conclusion: A Flawed But Fascinating Ride
On Swift Horses is far from a perfect film, but it is a necessary one. It takes risks in a time when many period dramas play it safe. It dares to be quiet, intimate, messy—and occasionally frustrating. But beneath its scattered structure lies something real: a deep longing for freedom, and a whisper of hope that sometimes, the risk is worth it.
It may not leave every viewer satisfied, but it will leave many thinking. And that’s the mark of a story that matters.
