Watch Lean on Pete

Lean on Pete is a 2017 drama film directed by Andrew Haigh and based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Willy Vlautin. The movie stars Charlie Plummer as 15-year-old Charley Thompson, a troubled young man who's just moved to Portland with his single father Ray (Travis Fimmel). Charley is searching for a sense of family and belonging, and he finds it in an unlikely friendship with a racehorse named Lean on Pete.

One day, Charley stumbles upon the local racetrack and the charismatic horse trainer Del (Steve Buscemi). Charley begs for a job and soon finds himself working alongside Del and his jockey Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny), caring for and exercising the horses. But as Charley invests more time and energy into the sport, he discovers the harsh realities of the racing industry and the terrible fate that awaits horses who can no longer win.

As Charley bonds with Lean on Pete, he becomes increasingly desperate to protect the horse from being sold and sent to the slaughterhouse. Charley's home life is also crumbling, as Ray becomes increasingly unstable and violent. When tragedy strikes, Charley embarks on a perilous journey across the American West with Lean on Pete, searching for a new home and a better future.

The film is a poignant and powerful exploration of the American Dream, the bond between human and animal, and the brutal realities of life on the margins. Charlie Plummer delivers a standout performance as Charley, capturing the character's quiet determination and vulnerability with nuance and sensitivity. He is supported by a strong cast, including Steve Buscemi in a memorable turn as Del, Amy Seimetz as Charley's empathetic aunt, and Travis Fimmel as Charley's troubled and damaged father.

Andrew Haigh directs with an unflinching eye for detail, capturing the stark beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscape and the harsh realities of Charley's world. The film's pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing the characters and themes to breathe and resonate with the audience. The soundtrack, featuring original music by James Edward Barker and Tim Despic, adds to the film's emotional intensity and sense of atmosphere.

Overall, Lean on Pete is a moving and thought-provoking film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. Its themes of loyalty, love, and sacrifice make it a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas and heartfelt storytelling.

Lean on Pete is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 80.