It finally happened. After what felt like an eternity of grainy set photos and cryptic Instagram tags from the cast, the On Swift Horses trailer is out in the wild. If you were expecting a typical, glossy mid-century period piece, you’re in for a bit of a shock. It’s gritty. It’s sweaty. Honestly, it looks like the kind of film that’s going to make everyone involved a lot more famous than they already are, which is saying something considering the cast is basically a "who's who" of Gen Z Hollywood royalty.
Based on the 2016 novel by Shannon Pufahl, this story has always been a bit of a sleeper hit in literary circles. Now that it’s hitting the big screen—or the festival circuit first, to be precise—the buzz is reaching a fever pitch. You’ve got Jacob Elordi, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Will Poulter leading the charge. It’s a lot of talent for one frame.
What the On Swift Horses Trailer Actually Tells Us
First things first: the atmosphere. The trailer doesn't just show you the 1950s; it drags you into the dust and the gambling dens of the era. We see Muriel (played by Edgar-Jones) and her husband Lee (Poulter) trying to build a "normal" life after the Korean War. But "normal" is boring, and the trailer makes it very clear that Muriel is anything but.
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Then there’s Julius. Jacob Elordi is everywhere right now, but here he seems to be tapping into something much darker and more restless than his previous roles. He’s the brother-in-law who disappears to Las Vegas, and his storyline is where the film gets its pulse. The On Swift Horses trailer masterfully cuts between Muriel’s burgeoning obsession with horse racing and Julius’s dangerous life as a casino cheat.
The tension is thick. You can almost feel the heat radiating off the screen.
It’s not just about gambling, though. This is a story about people who don't fit into the boxes the 1950s tried to shove them into. It’s about queer identity in a time when that was a death sentence for your social life. It’s about the "New West" and the dream of reinventing yourself. The trailer hints at this without being heavy-handed, which is a relief. No one likes a movie that explains itself too much in the first two minutes.
Why Everyone Is Obsessing Over the Casting
Let's be real. Half the people searching for the On Swift Horses trailer are doing it because of the cast. And can you blame them?
Daisy Edgar-Jones has this incredible ability to look like she’s constantly thinking three different things at once. In the trailer, her portrayal of Muriel looks grounded but simmering with a quiet kind of rebellion. She’s not just a housewife; she’s a woman who learns how to read the odds at the racetrack, and that’s a dangerous skill to have in 1950s San Diego.
Then you have Jacob Elordi. After Priscilla and Saltburn, he’s proven he’s not just a pretty face from a teen franchise. In this trailer, he’s playing Julius with a sort of feral energy. There’s a scene where he’s talking about the "swift horses" of the title, and it feels less like a metaphor and more like a warning.
Will Poulter rounds out the trio. He’s often the unsung hero of his films, and here he plays the straight-laced husband, Lee. But the trailer suggests there’s a lot of friction between his desire for a stable life and the wilder impulses of his wife and brother. It’s a messy triangle, but not in the way you’re used to seeing in Hollywood romances.
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The Visual Style: More Than Just Retro
Director Daniel Minahan isn't going for a Mad Men aesthetic here. It looks much more visceral. The cinematography by Giles Nuttgens—who did Hell or High Water—brings a bleached-out, sun-drenched look to the California and Nevada settings.
The On Swift Horses trailer shows us the underbelly of the American Dream. We see the neon of Vegas, but it’s flickering and desperate. We see the racetracks, but they aren't glamorous; they’re filled with dirt and cigarette smoke. This visual language is crucial because it mirrors the internal lives of the characters. They are all looking for something bright and shiny, but they’re stuck in the mud.
Key Themes To Watch For
- The Illusion of the Nuclear Family: Muriel and Lee represent the post-war ideal, but the trailer shows that foundation cracking almost immediately.
- Gambling as Freedom: For both Muriel and Julius, betting isn't just about money; it’s about the high of taking a risk when your life feels pre-determined.
- Queer Loneliness: There are brief, poignant glimpses of Julius’s relationships that suggest the isolation of being "othered" in mid-century America.
- The West as a Frontier of Reinvention: Vegas and California are treated as places where you can bury your past, even if the past refuses to stay dead.
Breaking Down That Ending Shot
The very last shot of the On Swift Horses trailer is what’s going to keep people talking. I won't spoil the exact framing, but it involves a look shared between characters that suggests a deep, perhaps even destructive, understanding. It’s a reminder that this isn’t a movie where everyone gets a happy ending tied up with a bow.
The music in the trailer also deserves a shoutout. It starts slow and rhythmic, mimicking the galloping of horses, before spiraling into a more chaotic, orchestral swell. It’s effective. It makes your heart rate go up just a little bit.
What This Means for the 2026 Awards Season
Look, it’s early, but the pedigree here is undeniable. Produced by Peter Spears (who did Nomadland and Call Me by Your Name), On Swift Horses is clearly aiming for prestige status. The trailer confirms that the performances are there.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to some pretty strong reviews, though some critics found the dual-narrative structure a bit challenging to follow. But trailers are meant to smooth out those bumps and focus on the vibes, and the vibes here are immaculate.
If you’re a fan of slow-burn dramas that actually have something to say about the human condition, this is likely going to be your favorite movie of the year. It’s rare to see a trailer that feels this confident in its own skin. It’s not trying to be a blockbuster. It’s trying to be a classic.
How to Get Ready for the Release
If the On Swift Horses trailer has you hooked, you’ve got some homework to do.
First, read the book. Shannon Pufahl’s writing is incredibly dense and beautiful, and it provides a lot of context that a two-minute trailer simply can’t fit in. The way she describes the mechanics of gambling and the interiority of her characters is masterclass-level stuff.
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Second, keep an eye on the release schedule. While the film has had its festival run, its wide theatrical release is what matters for most of us. You’ll want to see this on a big screen if only to catch the detail in the period-accurate set design.
Third, don't expect a straightforward plot. The trailer hints at a non-linear feel, and based on the source material, the story is more about the emotional journey than a "point A to point B" narrative.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your local indie theater listings: This is the type of film that often gets a limited release before expanding.
- Follow the production company: Sony Pictures Classics or the equivalent distributor in your region will have the most up-to-date info on exact dates.
- Listen to the soundtrack once it drops: If the trailer music is any indication, the full score is going to be a mood-setter for the ages.
- Re-watch the trailer at 0.5x speed: There are several quick cuts of letters and betting slips that give away minor plot points if you’re looking closely enough.
Ultimately, the On Swift Horses trailer succeeds because it promises a movie that is both beautiful and deeply uncomfortable. It’s a story about the "swift horses" we all chase—the dreams and desires that move too fast for us to ever really catch them. It looks like a haunting, gorgeous piece of cinema that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Keep your eyes on this one; it’s going to be a wild ride.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
Start by reading Shannon Pufahl's original novel to understand the intricate character dynamics between Muriel and Julius before the film hits theaters. Then, set a Google Alert for the official theatrical release date in your region, as prestige dramas like this often have staggered rollouts. Finally, revisit the trailer to pay close attention to the sound design, which subtly mirrors the frantic pace of the horse racing world that drives the plot forward.