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It looks like Jacob Elordi is bringing us more than just his trademark smolder in his latest project, On Swift Horses. Yes, darlings, get ready for an emotional—and explicit—journey through mid-century America that tackles love, secrecy, and self-discovery. And with Diego Calva joining him for some seriously steamy scenes, it’s safe to say this film is already at the top of our must-watch list.
First off, On Swift Horses—based on the 2019 novel by Shannon Pufahl—takes place in the 1950s, a time when love between queer people had to remain hidden. But just because their love is secret, doesn’t mean it’s not intense. The story follows Julius (played by the Euphoria and Saltburn star, Elordi), a Korean War vet who returns home without much of a plan and soon crosses paths with Henry (played by Calva, who wowed us in Babylon).
And, hunty, let’s just say sparks fly. Actually, “sparks” might be an understatement. These two take us on a wild ride that includes secret motel meetups, hustling, and even a bit of casino intrigue. You can expect some very intimate moments between the two men—something Diego Calva coyly hinted at earlier this year. Now that we know these scenes are, well, plentiful, we’re positively counting down the days to the film’s release.
But don’t get us wrong: On Swift Horses isn’t just about the, ahem, steamy bits. At its core, the film is an exploration of LGBTQ+ life in a time when love wasn’t something you could flaunt. The secrecy, the tension, the constant fear of being discovered—it’s all there. And it’s not just Julius and Henry facing these challenges. Muriel (played by Twisters’ Daisy Edgar-Jones), Julius’ sister-in-law, also finds herself questioning her desires when she moves to San Diego and meets a mysterious new neighbor. We have a feeling her journey will resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever wrestled with their identity in a world that doesn’t want to accept them.
What’s really exciting, though, is the star power behind this project. Daniel Minahan, who directed the first two episodes of Fellow Travelers (aka another epic gay romance you absolutely need to watch), is helming this one too. Minahan’s eye for nuance and authenticity makes him the perfect match for this queer love story, and we’re expecting nothing short of brilliance.
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Now, we can’t ignore the cheeky little note Elordi left us about his “cool customer” co-star, Calva. It’s almost as if he’s winking at us, saying, “Don’t worry—I’m still very straight,” while playing these layered queer characters with palpable chemistry. We see you, Jacob. And honestly? We’re here for it. His commitment to his roles, no matter how homoerotic (we’re still not over that infamous bathtub scene from Saltburn), shows just how comfortable he is pushing boundaries on screen. This time around, he’s channeling Paul Newman for his portrayal of Julius, which only makes us more intrigued. Who wouldn’t want to watch Elordi serve some rugged, Western queer vibes?
It’s no coincidence that On Swift Horses comes at a time when we’re craving more queer representation in historical dramas. With movies like Fellow Travelers paving the way, this film seems to be another step toward more honest, raw depictions of LGBTQ+ love that transcends mere subtext. We don’t just want queer characters in the background—we want them front and center, with fully fleshed-out stories that reflect our experiences.
And from what we’re hearing, On Swift Horses does exactly that. It doesn’t shy away from the complexities of being queer in the 1950s, but it also doesn’t turn it into a sob story. There’s passion, love, sex, and yes—hope. Daisy Edgar-Jones herself called the story “wonderfully queer,” and if she’s saying it, we believe it.
As On Swift Horses makes its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, all eyes will be on how this stunning piece of cinema delivers on its promise of gay romance and queer self-discovery. We can’t wait to see how audiences react, and honestly? We’re ready for a whole new wave of fan fiction and headcanons once these explicit scenes hit the big screen.
So, what do you say? Will Elordi and Calva’s characters find freedom, even in a world that wants to keep them hidden? One thing’s for sure: this is one gay romance we won’t forget anytime soon. Keep those eyes peeled for release dates, because On Swift Horses is going to gallop its way right into our hearts—and maybe set a few screens on fire while it’s at it.
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