On Swift Horses, a romantic drama scored by Mark Orton and directed by Daniel Minahan, is set to have its U.S. premiere as the closing night film at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 13, 2025! Following its SXSW debut, the film will be released in U.S. theaters on April 25, 2025.
Based on Shannon Pufahl’s novel, “On Swift Horses” follows Muriel, a newlywed in post-war America, who embarks on a secret life of gambling alongside her brother-in-law as they both explore their closeted desires and the American West in the 1950s The film features performances by Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva, Sasha Calle, and Don Swayze.
Mark’s score incorporates elements of rockabilly and film noir, providing quiet tension and evoking isolation. The score softens and includes more orchestral elements as the characters find themselves.