Daisy Edgar-Jones has spoken highly of her co-star Jacob Elordi, citing the ease with which they built on-screen chemistry in their new film On Swift Horses, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sept. 7.
During a Q&A session following the premiere, the Normal People star shared her thoughts on working with Elordi, who plays her love interest in the 1950s-set drama.
“It’s not hard to make chemistry with Jacob,” Edgar-Jones said. “He’s just so charismatic.” She emphasized how crucial their on-screen connection was for portraying the “subtle and smart” interpersonal dynamics between their characters.
“What I loved about this script was it felt almost like reading poetry, and so much of what happens is in the subtext,” she added. Edgar-Jones credited the film’s director, Daniel Minahan, for allowing the actors space to develop their bond during early scenes. “We shot all of Jacob and I’s early scenes first, which was great because our characters are separated for much of the film,” she noted.
Elordi, known for his breakout role in Euphoria, echoed her sentiments about the natural connection they shared. “It was immediately there,” he said. Reflecting on his audition, he recalled that he and Edgar-Jones spent time “dancing and playing cards,” which helped forge their chemistry early on.
In On Swift Horses, based on Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel, Edgar-Jones portrays Muriel, a newlywed whose life with her husband Lee (played by Will Poulter) is upended by the arrival of his younger brother Julius (Elordi), a charismatic gambler with a hidden agenda. The film’s plot follows the evolving relationships and tensions between the trio as they navigate a dangerous love triangle and their quest for the American Dream, which is ultimately shattered.
The film also stars Sasha Calle, Diego Calva, and Kat Cunning, alongside Edgar-Jones and Elordi. Although it has garnered attention following its TIFF premiere, On Swift Horses is still seeking distribution.
Stay tuned for updates as the film aims for wider release and a potential box office debut.