Daisy Edgar-Jones shines in "On Swift Horses," exploring passion, identity, and love in post-war California. Premieres 2025.
Daisy Edgar-Jones returns with a bold new role in the filmOn Swift Horses, scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 23, 2025. The movie, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2024, unfolds in post-Korean WarCalifornia and follows Muriel, portrayed by Edgar-Jones, whose life changes dramatically when her husband’s brother arrives.
Plot Overview: Muriel’s Complex Journey Amid Secrets and Desire
Set in the 1950s, On Swift Horses tells the story of Muriel Edwards Walker as she begins anew with her husband Lee after his return from the Korean War. Their hopeful future is upended by the arrival of Lee’s brother Julius, a charismatic gambler carrying hidden secrets. Julius’s pursuit of a young card cheat plunges Muriel into a secret world of gambling and self-discovery, marked by explorations of love and identity previously unknown to her.
The narrative delves into LGBTQ+ themes with a sense of hope rather than despair. Daisy Edgar-Jones reflected on the character’s subtle rebellion:
“Muriel’s rebellion throughout the film is quite quiet, in the small ways in which she takes back her power by concealing things. A lot of what’s happening is behind closed doors.”
—Daisy Edgar-Jones, Actress
On working with co-star Jacob Elordi, Edgar-Jones shared to Vanity Fair:
“The first scenes that we filmed were the scenes we had together, so we got all of that done with—when we were apart, we had put the groundwork in.”
—Daisy Edgar-Jones, Actress
Elordi added:
“I believe Taylor Swift calls it an invisible string.”
—Jacob Elordi, Actor
Edgar-Jones also highlighted the thematic connection between gambling and taking emotional risks:
Image of: Daisy Edgar-Jones
“I loved the connection between gambling and risk-taking, and pushing the boundaries of her desire and what she’s looking for.”
—Daisy Edgar-Jones, Actress
Meet the Cast Bringing These Characters to Life
The film features a compelling cast led by Daisy Edgar-Jones in the role of Muriel Edwards Walker. Alongside her, Jacob Elordi plays Julius Walker, whose unpredictable personality drives much of the film’s tension and intrigue. Will Poulter stars as Lee Walker, Muriel’s husband, whose return from war sets the story in motion.
Other notable cast members include Sasha Calle as Sandra, Diego Calva as Henry, Kat Cunning as Gail, and Don Swayze portraying Terence. Reflecting on working with Elordi, Edgar-Jones remarked:
“It’s not hard to make chemistry with Jacob because he’s just so charismatic.”
—Daisy Edgar-Jones, Actress
She also commented on the screenplay’s quality:
“The script felt almost like reading poetry and so much of what happens is in the subtext.”
—Daisy Edgar-Jones, Actress
Sasha Calle emphasized the film’s core theme:
“This movie is just about love. It’s important to just feel that — whoever that might be, where that takes you. It’s important to feel that and to feel safe in it.”
—Sasha Calle, Actress
Where and When to See On Swift Horses
On Swift Horses will be available to stream on Netflix starting August 23, 2025. Prior to its digital release, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2024, and later opened in theaters on April 25, 2025. Audiences eager to experience this evocative drama can anticipate a story blending romance, secrecy, and self-exploration set against the backdrop of 1950s America.
Insights from the Trailer and Story Themes
The teaser trailer introduces Julius’s magnetic charm alongside Lee’s warning to Muriel that Julius lives by different rules, saying: “He’s just not like us.” This tension hints at the private struggles underpinning the story. As the trailer progresses, Muriel’s growing passion and secret life take center stage, touching on themes of love, lust, and personal identity that challenge societal norms of the era.
Significance and Anticipated Impact of the Film
On Swift Horses explores nuanced emotional landscapes with a focus on quiet rebellion and self-empowerment, making it a timely reflection on individual freedom in restrictive times. By addressing LGBTQ+ experience in a hopeful light, the film promises to resonate with contemporary viewers seeking stories of complex love and identity. The presence of Daisy Edgar-Jones, known for her compelling performances, bolsters expectations for the film’s critical and popular reception.
With its rich character development and exploration of marginalized desires, On Swift Horses is poised to foster important conversations about love, risk, and self-acceptance in a historical context. Viewers can look forward not only to an emotionally charged narrative but also to outstanding performances from a talented ensemble cast.
