“On Swift Horses” is a new romance drama set during the Korean War starring some of today’s popular mid-20s to early-30s actors. Daisy Edgar-Jones (from “Twisters”) plays Muriel. She accepts the marriage proposal of Lee (Will Poulter, of “The Maze Runner” franchise and “The Bear”) at her lifelong Kansas home on a snowy Christmas Eve. Also there for a visit is Lee’s brother Julius (Jacob Elordi, who played Elvis Presley in “Priscilla”). They come-up with a pact to buy a house and live together in San Diego once Lee completes his service in about six months.
So Muriel and Lee do just that, but Julius (who was recently discharged) has other ideas. He’s into gambling — and heads to Vegas, meeting-up with Henry (“Babylon”‘s Diego Calva), who has similar interests in how to make money. They quickly form an even deeper connection. Muriel is also figuring out a way to earn cash — by betting on horses, specifically the ones she overhears her diner customers predict are going to win. Her luck is remarkable.
But things get much more complicated in this two-hour adaptation of a 2019 novel that unfortunately only has a mild amount of gravitas. The ’50s ‘time and place’ atmosphere is solid but not incredible. The performances are nothing to write home about. And there are a number of supporting story elements that either feel far-fetched or too convenient, right to the end.
Most of all, “On Swift Horses” is episodic. It’s the kind of conversation-heavy, character study saga that might’ve made some waves as an ’80s or ’90s Network TV miniseries (without the graphic sex scenes). Moderately interesting (more so in the first half than the second) but ultimately hollow.
LCJ GRADE: C-
Running Time: 119 min.