Jacob Elordi and Diego Calva have officially broken the internet, and a few gay hearts, with their undeniably steamy scenes in On Swift Horses, the long-awaited queer period drama that finally dropped on VOD in the U.S. this spring.

Directed by Daniel Minahan and based on Shannon Pufahl’s novel, the film gallops into themes of repression, passion, and longing, with two of the most thirsted-after actors of the moment delivering on the gay tension that many felt was sorely missing from Saltburn.

A Queer Western With High Stakes and Higher Heat

Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of 1950s California, On Swift Horses follows Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her husband Lee (Will Poulter) as they leave Kansas City in search of a new beginning. Their fresh start quickly unravels when Lee’s enigmatic brother Julius (Elordi), a charming gambler with secrets to spare, arrives on the scene.

Soon, a volatile love triangle forms. Julius takes off in search of a young card shark he’s enamored with, while Muriel finds herself navigating a world of racehorses and forbidden desires.

That Scene (Yes, That One)

Though critics have been split on the film’s pacing and structure, audiences have united over one crucial element: the sizzling chemistry between Elordi and Calva. Their intimate scenes have caused a full-blown gay internet meltdown, with clips circulating widely online and commentary ranging from feral to full-on poetic.

Calva previously teased the dynamic between him and Elordi, revealing their unexpected bonding sessions over Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch. “He likes to study a lot. I like to improvise,” Calva said. “We kind of complement each other.”

Apparently, that synergy translated very well on screen.

Fans React: “It Should Have Been Me!”

Let’s just say, X (formerly Twitter) has entered its chaotic gay era. After the VOD release, viewers took to social media with NSFW takes, dramatic thirst traps, and enough gay yearning to power a solar farm.

“I have a swift horse for both of them” one devastated fan moaned.
“My horny ass could never be an actor,” another confessed.
“Jacob is so daddy” said one user. And perhaps the most iconic reaction: “I have a swift horse for both of them.”

Thirst? Met. Representation? Delivered. Internet? Broken.

What’s Next for On Swift Horses?

Although the U.S. VOD release has satisfied American fans for now, international viewers are still waiting to mount up. The film is set to hit theaters in Spain on July 25, with no UK release date announced just yet.

Here’s hoping the global rollout comes with just as much queerness, desire, and meme-worthy moments.