Jacob Elordi delivers a career-defining performance in On Swift Horses, now streaming on Netflix, showcasing why this role is considered his best Netflix performance to date. The film, adapted from Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel, follows Elordi as Julius, a Korean War veteran navigating complex personal and romantic struggles in post-war America. This role arrives as Elordi prepares to take on the iconic monster in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein, heightening anticipation around his evolving career.
A Deep Look at the Storyline of On Swift Horses
In On Swift Horses, Jacob Elordi’s character Julius shares the spotlight with Daisy Edgar-Jones’s Muriel, his sister-in-law. After returning from the Korean War, Muriel becomes engaged to Julius’ older brother, Lee, played by Will Poulter. However, from their first meeting, Julius and Muriel share a powerful connection that complicates the family dynamic. While Lee and Muriel aim to start fresh in California and invite Julius to join them, Julius instead chooses a different path.
Unwilling to embrace the conventional suburban life embraced by his brother and sister-in-law, Julius becomes a drifter and eventually lands in Las Vegas. There, he survives through sex work before securing a job at a casino where he monitors gamblers for cheating. It is at this casino he meets Henry, portrayed by Diego Calva, a fellow gambler and co-worker. Julius and Henry’s partnership deepens as Henry persuades him to collaborate on cheating the casinos to earn substantial money.
Meanwhile, Muriel leads a quiet life in San Diego, working as a waitress in a diner. She is a secret gambler who uses overheard tips to place bets on horse races, keeping her winnings hidden from Lee. Muriel also explores her sexuality after meeting a woman at a racetrack who introduces her to a local gay bar, leading to a discreet relationship with their neighbor, Sandra (Sasha Calle). Despite their differing lifestyles, Muriel and Julius share secret loves and struggles, linked by their mutual need for discretion. Muriel attempts to maintain contact with Julius through letters and phone calls, but Julius prefers distance.
Jacob Elordi’s Compelling Portrayal of Julius
On Swift Horses sensitively explores the lives of two queer individuals in a conservative post-war America, with Elordi’s Julius and Edgar-Jones’s Muriel facing challenges often left unspoken. Though Julius and Muriel share limited screen time together, their connection resonates through subtle, intense moments that go beyond mere romantic or sexual tension. Both characters take risks not only with their emotions but also with their secret relationships, fearing judgment and exclusion.
The film initially appears to be centered on a love triangle involving Muriel, Lee, and Julius, but it gradually shifts to reveal deeper emotional complexities. Julius wrestles with his affections for Muriel and Henry, revealing layers of vulnerability beneath his stoic exterior. Elordi captures this tension perfectly, portraying Julius as both guarded and deeply emotional, creating a nuanced character whom viewers empathize with despite his flaws.
Elordi’s natural charisma helps explain why Julius captivates both Muriel and Henry. From Julius’ very first scene, Elordi exudes a magnetic charm, allowing the character’s selfish tendencies to feel human rather than off-putting. His performance relies heavily on subtle facial expressions and body language, conveying Julius’ inner struggles through quiet intensity.
While Elordi shares strong chemistry with Diego Calva’s Henry, it is his interplay with Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Muriel that defines much of the film’s emotional core. Though the story spends time exploring both Julius and Muriel’s perspectives, Julius’ presence looms large over Muriel’s narrative, symbolizing unresolved feelings and emotional tension. One standout scene—and one of the film‘s most powerful—occurs when Julius and Muriel reunite, and Julius silently acknowledges Muriel’s sexuality, conveying empathy without explicit dialogue.
Though Edgar-Jones delivers an earnest performance as Muriel, it is Elordi’s portrayal of Julius that anchors the film, making him the more compelling and complex figure. His role in On Swift Horses reveals new depths to his acting abilities and affirms his status as a versatile performer. For viewers eager to see why this performance stands out as his best on Netflix, the film offers a rewarding and emotionally rich experience, culminating in a hopeful conclusion that feels authentic and deserved.
Building Momentum in Elordi’s Career
After gaining widespread attention through roles like Nate Jacobs in Euphoria and his BAFTA-nominated turn in Saltburn, Jacob Elordi continues to expand his range with On Swift Horses. This film is a clear marker of his growth from his earlier work in The Kissing Booth series to more mature and layered characters. The nuanced portrayal of Julius not only highlights Elordi’s acting evolution but also positions him as a leading talent in Hollywood’s next generation.
Looking ahead, Elordi’s casting as the monster in Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Frankenstein raises expectations about his ability to embody complex and iconic roles. With the film set for a theatrical release in October and a Netflix debut in November, audiences have a chance to witness Elordi’s continued ascent. Until then, On Swift Horses stands as a prime example of his finest work to date on the streaming platform.
Jacob Elordi’s most recent performance harnesses the themes of love, secrecy, and identity with sensitivity and depth, reflecting the cautious optimism of a generation grappling with societal constraints. His work in On Swift Horses offers a heartfelt and sincere celebration of character complexity, making this film a must-watch for anyone following his career.
