Daniel Minahan's directorial venture, On Swift Horses, left me with a blend of emotions. While it is not entirely a disorganized piece, certain plot elements felt disappointingly mundane.

The film's ability to evoke feelings as intense as betrayal indicates that both the director and writer Bryce Cass have tapped into something significant. Unfortunately, the narrative struggles to navigate the complexities of what was termed 'forbidden love' in the 1950s.

As the story delicately traverses the landscape of fragile emotions, it encounters unexpected challenges, many of which are rather uninspired.

Upon meeting the enchanting protagonist Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones), I was reminded of Madhabi Mukherjee's portrayal of Charulata in Satyajit Ray's classic. Muriel embodies a smoldering desire for something her unfulfilling marriage cannot offer.

The arrival of her strikingly handsome brother-in-law (reminiscent of Soumitra Chatterjee in Charulata) at her California home ignites Muriel's suppressed desires. One could say she transitions from boredom to a passionate affair, defying the constraints expected of a 1950s American housewife.

Meanwhile, her brother-in-law Julius is in Las Vegas, exploring his own boundaries. Unfortunately for Muriel but fortunately for her marriage, he is gay. The scenes depicting Julius's encounters with Henry (Diego Calva, known from Narcos) in Las Vegas are infused with a vibrant energy that the rest of the film lacks.

Muriel's relationship with her husband Lee (Will Poulter) comes across as rather lackluster, a convenient choice by the screenwriter.

Fortunately, Lee is not depicted as a stereotypical abusive husband. However, the stark contrast between Lee and Julius is emphasized through their portrayal, nudging Muriel towards her brother-in-law.

Interestingly, when we first see Julius, he is carefree and shirtless, a boldness that Soumitra Chatterjee would not have exhibited in Charulata.

The film is steeped in a mood of nocturnal melancholy, with each frame exuding passion. Yet, it feels somewhat over-calculated and lacking depth.

Why does Muriel engage in a secretive relationship with her eccentric neighbor Sandra (Sasha Calle) while being drawn to her husband's brother? Her husband, sensing her attraction, cautions her that Julius is not 'one of us.'

The delicate dynamics in On Swift Horses are occasionally undermined by clichéd writing. These captivating characters deserved a more thoughtfully crafted narrative.