A night of passion: ‘On Swift Horses’ premieres at Toronto Film Festival
A tale of hidden desires
Jacob Elordi and Daisy Edgar-Jones brought a spark to a chilly September evening with the premiere of On Swift Horses at the Toronto Film Festival. This queer drama, set in the 1950s, delves into the lives of a card shark and his sister-in-law as they navigate their concealed desires in an era where such impulses could lead to ruin. The film is erotically charged, featuring intense scenes between Elordi’s character, Julius, and Diego Calva, who plays a con man entangled with the mysterious loner. Edgar-Jones, portraying Muriel, the wife of Julius’ brother (Will Poulter), also finds herself in a passionate affair with Sandra, a bohemian neighbor played by Sasha Calle.
A reimagined American dream
During a Q&A session following the screening, director Daniel Minahan shared his attraction to the story, highlighting its unique perspective on the American dream through a queer lens. The film is based on a novel by Shannon Pufahl, which Minahan appreciated for its optimistic tone, steering clear of a relentlessly tragic narrative.
“She crafted a story about people hiding themselves, watching, exploring, and ultimately connecting,” Minahan explained. “It’s not a tragic ending. It ends on a hopeful note, which was crucial for us throughout the process.”
Complex characters and thrilling scenes
While the film’s ending remains under wraps, the journey is filled with complications, including compulsive gambling, encounters with gangsters and grifters, underground gay bars, and even urban horse riding. Elordi’s arrival at the Princess of Wales Theatre was met with enthusiastic cheers from fans, though the actor insisted he had to audition for the role of Julius, despite his rising fame from roles in Saltburn and Euphoria.
“I had to audition for the film,” Elordi stated.
“It wasn’t an audition,” Minahan countered. “I love that you thought it was.”
“They made it feel like one,” Elordi responded with a chuckle.
Muriel’s journey of self-discovery
As Muriel, Edgar-Jones transitions from a demure housewife to someone seeking a more dangerous and liberating life. Initially, this involves secret trips to racetracks, but it soon evolves into long afternoons spent with Sandra. Edgar-Jones found inspiration in Muriel’s pursuit of her desires and her small acts of rebellion.
Embracing the cowboy spirit
Elordi relished the opportunity to play Julius, describing it as a chance to “be a cowboy.” He channeled the spirit of Kerouac, living in “shitty motels” and donning leather jackets, feeling a sense of American freedom he had never experienced before.
Emotional connections over physicality
While On Swift Horses is replete with sexual scenes, the actors emphasized that the film’s true power lies in the emotional connections their characters forge with their secret lovers.
“This movie is just about love,” Calle remarked. “It’s important to feel that — whoever that might be, wherever that takes you. It’s important to feel that and to feel safe in it.”
“It’s also a movie about identity,” Calva added. “To be brave enough to find, follow, and pursue your own path. And I think we all can connect with that.”
A film for the modern audience
On Swift Horses is more than just a period piece; it’s a reflection on the timeless struggle for identity and connection. The film’s exploration of hidden desires and the courage to pursue them resonates deeply in today’s world, making it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of On Swift Horses, check out the trailer and immerse yourself in this evocative tale of love and self-discovery.