On Swift Horses is a fascinating romantic drama that explores the complexities of love, identity, and self-discovery in America in the 1950s. We at Spiky TV are excited to look into the heartfelt story of this movie, especially the relationship between Julius and Henry, two characters whose romance has piqued viewers’ interest. This article tells you if Julius and Henry are gay, what their relationship is like, and if they get a happy ending. We’ll break down the 2024 movie, directed by Daniel Minahan and based on Shannon Pufahl’s novel, in a way that’s easy to understand and fun to read. We’ll also talk about the movie’s queer themes and emotional depth.
What is On Swift Horses about?
Taking place in the post-Korean War years, “On Swift Horses” tells the story of housewife Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her husband, Lee (Will Poulter), as they work to establish a stable life in San Diego. That all changes, however, when Lee’s brother, Julius (Jacob Elordi), a restless gambler fresh out of the war, comes into their lives.
Julius spends a short time with the couple and sets off to find work at the casinos in Las Vegas, where he meets the charismatic card cheat, Henry (Diego Calva). The film draws a story of forbidden passions from this; gambling — on horses for Muriel, on cards for Julius — as a metaphor for the dangers of pursuit of true love in a repressive society. Muriel and Julius are each struggling to find themselves, and they forge friendships that defy the conventions of the 1950s while doing so.
The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was released in theatres on April 25, 2025, and has received praise for its brave depiction of queer love, beautiful visuals, and strong performances, particularly from Elordi and Calva. But with a 50% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 65/100 on Metacritic, it’s a polarizing but contemplative watch, and it is streaming now on Netflix and available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
Are Julius and Henry Gay?
Yes, Julius and Henry are portrayed as gay in On Swift Horses. The movie doesn’t say what their sexualities are, which is true to the time period of the 1950s when people didn’t talk about these things very often. Their actions and feelings, on the other hand, tell the story. While working as a security guard in Las Vegas, Julius, a drifter and gambler, meets Henry, a Mexican-American casino worker. Their connection grows quickly, and they start a secret and passionate romance. The movie has intimate scenes of the two men in bed together, sharing sweet moments that show how much they care about each other. Critics have pointed out the “tender and exciting” chemistry between Elordi and Calva, which makes their relationship stand out.
Julius’s backstory suggests that he was kicked out of the military, probably because of his sexual orientation, which was common at the time. His inability to relax and settle down comes from society not accepting who he is. Henry, on the other hand, is discriminated against twice because he is a queer Mexican-American, which makes him take big risks in both love and gambling. Their bond is strengthened by their shared experiences as outsiders, which makes it clear that both men are attracted to other men, even though the movie doesn’t use modern terms like “gay.” Their love is a big part of the story and it’s shown in a real and caring way.
Is There a Romantic Connection Between Julius and Muriel?
Some people who watch the movie might wonder how Julius and Muriel, Lee’s wife, are related because the movie hints that there is a spark between them. There are times of subtle closeness between Julius and the other person while he is in San Diego for a short time. They touch hands, look at each other for a long time, and later write heartfelt letters. These point to a connection, but it’s not clear if it’s romantic or platonic. As Muriel learns more about her own queer identity and gets to know a woman named Sandra, it becomes clearer that her relationship with Julius is more about shared struggles than romantic love. Julius’s love for Henry is stronger than any chance he has of having a more profound relationship with Muriel. This shows that he is more interested in men, especially Henry.
This change makes Julius’s character more interesting. He is definitely gay, but his interactions with Muriel show that he can be emotionally close to people of any gender. But the movie makes it clear that he only wants to be with Henry romantically and sexually, so there isn’t much room for anyone else.
What Happens in Julius and Henry’s Romance?
Julius and Henry’s love story is beautiful but also full of problems because of the times they lived in. They are instantly drawn to each other after meeting in a Las Vegas casino. Because of the time’s homophobia, they can only be romantic in private places like motel rooms. Julius is cautious in his actions, yet he is deeply in love, and the secrecy of their relationship brings him comfort. Henry, on the other hand, is bolder and wants more than just privacy. He has a restless personality that makes him take risky bets in the hopes of getting a better future.
Henry wants to cheat at cards with another partner, but Julius tries to stop him because he is afraid of what will happen. Things don’t go as planned, and they end up fighting outside the casino. Henry goes missing in the chaos, but Julius gets away with only a few injuries. Julius goes to Tijuana, Mexico, to find him, but while he’s there, he gets into trouble during a robbery. Henry, who is looking for Julius, ends up at a gay pub in California called The Chester, where Muriel just happens to be. They both leave notes for Julius on the corkboard at the bar, hoping he will see them.
Do Julius and Henry End Up Together?
The end of On Swift Horses is hopeful, but it doesn’t tell us what will happen next. The next Christmas, Julius goes back to California to look for Lee and Muriel, but instead he finds the note from Henry and Muriel at The Chester. Henry’s message gives a hint about where he is, which gives hope for a reunion. At the end of the movie, Julius rides off on horseback, determined to find his lover. Even though we don’t see them get back together on screen, the hopeful tone makes it likely that they will find each other again and be ready to face the same problems in society together.
This open-ended ending fits the story perfectly. The movie shows how strong their love is, even though it takes place in the 1950s. Julius and Henry are on a quest for authenticity, and the last scene suggests that they will keep looking for it together.
Where Can You Watch On Swift Horses?
You can watch On Swift Horses on Netflix, rent it, or buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and other platforms if you want to see what happens to Julius and Henry. Fans of character-driven stories should definitely watch it because it has romance, drama and a historical setting.
There is no doubt that Julius and Henry are gay and their love story in On Swift Horses shows how love can survive even in tough times. The ending is left open, but the hope of them getting back together makes viewers feel positive. The movie stands out because it has a mix of queer stories, outstanding acting, and deep emotions.
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