Lean on Pete

A lonely and neglected teenager, Charley Thompson, finds solace and purpose when he takes a summer job caring for a struggling racehorse named Lean on Pete. As his bond with the horse deepens, Charley embarks on a perilous journey across the American West to save Pete from being sold for slaughter, facing hardship and discovering a resilience he never knew he possessed.

Andrew Haigh's 'Lean on Pete' was widely praised by critics for its sensitive portrayal of adolescent isolation and its understated, character-driven narrative. The film was commended for its raw performances, particularly from lead Charlie Plummer, and its poignant exploration of the bond between humans and animals. While its slow pace and melancholic tone were noted, the overall reception was positive, highlighting its emotional depth and authentic depiction of hardship.

• Praised for Charlie Plummer's compelling performance as a vulnerable protagonist.

• Applauded for its authentic and often somber depiction of youth in rural America.

• Commended for its sensitive exploration of the human-animal bond and themes of resilience.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's emotional resonance and the strong performance by its young lead. Many found the story touching and relatable, particularly its depiction of the protagonist's struggle and his connection with the horse. Some viewers felt the film was slow-paced, but the overall sentiment was positive, with many highlighting its poignant narrative.

Notable for its strong critical reception, with particular acclaim for Charlie Plummer's performance, which earned him several nominations, including a BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination. It was also recognized at film festivals like the Venice Film Festival.

Director Andrew Haigh was inspired to make the film after reading Willy Vlautin's novel of the same name and was particularly struck by the character of Charley and his journey.