The Toronto International Film Festival hosted the world premieres of two new films starring breakout “Euphoria” actors Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney. Elordi stars in the LGBTQ drama “On Swift Horses” about a 1950s love triangle. Sweeney takes the lead role in the survival thriller “Eden” directed by renowned filmmaker Ron Howard.
“On Swift Horses” tells the story of newlyweds Muriel and Lee, and Lee’s younger brother Julius. The story takes an unexpected turn when Julius begins a romantic relationship with a casino worker named Henry while visiting Las Vegas. Director Dan Minahan gave actors Elordi and Diego Calva, who plays Henry, freedom to develop their on-screen chemistry. Calva said they spent a week intensely preparing in a motel room. Elordi embraced the challenge of playing the complex Julius. He studied Paul Newman films to inspire his portrayal and enjoyed exploring life on the road as a cowboy character.
In “Eden,” Sweeney plays the wife of a war veteran seeking a new life on a remote Galapagos island in the early 1900s. They must contend with the domineering presence of a doctor and his wife. At the premiere, Sweeney expressed admiration for Howard, saying working with him revealed his kindness. She grew up loving his films but appreciated his humanity as a director.
The dual premieres attracted notable attention from fans and industry insiders, similar to the buzz around Harry Styles’ appearance at TIFF 2022. Both films are now seeking distribution deals. As fans await the return of “Euphoria” to production in January, these TIFF roles showcase Elordi and Sweeney expanding their talents beyond the hit series in very different dramatic parts, demonstrating their wide-ranging abilities.
