Movie Review by Sergio Martínez
Those 50s of the last century, which, according to people's
perception, had an aura of social, political, and indeed sexual conservatism,
are not what this film portrays. Everything looks pretty standard for the
marriage of Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Lee (Will Porter), who decide to
settle in a rural area of California after his return from the Korean War. That
state of affairs will change when Lee's younger brother Julius (Jacob Elordi)
makes an unexpected appearance.
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| Lee, Muriel and Julius |
From the very moment Julius shows up with his naked torso on
the deck of the car, we know that something is going to happen between him and
his sister-in-law, as there is no surprise, nor does the director (Daniel
Minahan) try to give it to us. In fact, Julius, with his extroverted manner,
contrasts with his austere brother. Indeed, these are characteristics that seem
to impress a simple girl like Muriel.
However, another side to Julius' life gives the story a less
conventional angle. While working in a casino, he is to enter into a
relationship with Henry (Diego Calva), who, when she leaves him, will make him
go in search of him in Mexico. Of course, the reason for this is not only
sentimental.
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| Sandra |
Muriel, for her part, will find a dimension that was also
suppressed when she meets Sandra (Sasha Calle). However, her incursion into
this unknown world will bring her some bitter moments and terrible indecision
regarding the direction she will take in her life.
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| Muriel |
It can be said that in all these incursions the characters
fail to realize their aspirations, all these sexual variations are presented as
promises of beginnings that in the end do not fully manifest.
On Swift Horses is an interesting film in that it
vivisects a period usually considered very predictable and conservative, yet it
also leaves a sense of unfinished promise.
Running time: 119 min.
