Jacob Elordi’s latest film, On Swift Horses, is set to bring passion, repression and desire to the big screen in a sweeping period drama directed by Daniel Minahan. Based on Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel of the same name, the film explores hidden love, longing and the pursuit of freedom in 1950s America.

Elordi stars as Julius, a restless Korean War veteran who hitchhikes to California to stay with his brother, Lee (Will Poulter), and Lee’s fiancée, Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones). Julius and Muriel find themselves quietly drawn to each other as Muriel struggles in her relationship with Lee. She seeks escape from her stifling life through gambling and an unexpected connection with a mysterious neighbour, played by Sasha Calle.

Julius’ own journey takes him to Las Vegas, where he works in a casino catching cheaters and turns to sex work to make ends meet. There, he meets Henry (Diego Calva), a fellow hustler, and the two embark on an intense secret romance. 

Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, critics praised its emotionally charged storytelling and authentic, passionate love scenes. The Film Stage applauded the film for its “endearing melodrama” and its reminder for those who romanticise the past that “for individuals like Muriel and Julius, the 1950s were not so fabulous.”

The film, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, is set for a limited US release on April 25, following its screenings at SXSW in March.