2024 Sundance Film Festival Predictions: Daniel Minahan’s On Swift Horses

We all know that Sundance is a welcoming launchpad for first-time filmmakers — and this was indeed the case for Daniel Minahan who shored up all the way in 2001 with Series 7: The Contenders. a gnarly comedy noir thriller that reminds us of The Running Man. Almost a quarter of a century later and tons of television series (“Six Feet Under”, “Deadwood”) work later, the filmmaker might bring On Swift Horses — a period piece item featuring strained relationships, horses, gambling and the likes of Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi and Will Poulter. Written by Bryce Kass (Lizzie), production took place in at the beginning of the year in. Worth noting, Minahan actually co-wrote I Shot Andy Warhol (1996) with director Mary Harron — also a Sundance selection.

Gist: Based on the novel by Shannon Pufahl, the story follows newlyweds Muriel and Lee who are beginning a bright new life when he returns from the Korean War. However, this newfound stability is upended by the arrival of Lee’s charismatic younger brother, Julius, a wayward gambler with a secret. A dangerous love triangle is quickly formed, as the three vow to start a new life together in California, but their bid for the American Dream is blown apart when Julius disappears and heads for Las Vegas instead. Muriel embarks on a secret life of her own,  gambling on racehorses and discovering a love she never thought possible.

Production Co./Producers: Daniel Minahan, Cor Cordium’s Peter Spears, Ley Line Entertainment’s Tim Headington, FirstGen Content’s Mollye Asher and Michael D’Alto.

Prediction: Premieres.

U.S. Distributor/Sales: Black Bear International and UTA Independent Film Group.