Lean on Pete is a 2017 drama film directed by Andrew Haigh, based on the novel of the same name by Willy Vlautin. With a grounded, emotional approach, it explores the raw vulnerabilities of adolescence, poverty, and loneliness against the backdrop of the American West.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: A Boy and a Horse
The story follows Charley Thompson (played by Charlie Plummer), a 15-year-old boy living in Portland, Oregon with his single father Ray. Ray is well-meaning but largely neglectful, often absorbed in his own relationships and struggles. Charley is left to fend for himself, seeking structure and connection.
One day, Charley stumbles upon a nearby racetrack and lands a job assisting a gruff horse trainer named Del Montgomery (Steve Buscemi). Here, he meets the aging racehorse Lean on Pete, forming a deep bond with the animal. The track becomes Charley’s only refuge in a world that seems indifferent to him.
The Loss of Home and Family
Charley’s already fragile life unravels when his father is fatally injured during a domestic incident involving his girlfriend’s ex. Suddenly, Charley is orphaned, homeless, and desperate. With no legal guardian and little support from adults, he clings more tightly to his job and to Lean on Pete.
He learns that Pete is no longer useful to Del and is being sent to slaughter. In a desperate act of compassion, Charley steals the horse and sets off across the Pacific Northwest, hoping to find his estranged aunt Margy, the only person who once showed him care.
The Journey Across America
Charley’s journey is both physical and emotional. Traveling on foot and by stolen car, he encounters a variety of characters—from drifters to good Samaritans—many of whom are struggling in their own ways. These encounters reflect the underbelly of America: forgotten places and people living on the fringes.
Charley talks to Pete as if he were a person, using him as a surrogate for the family he lost. But his journey is not a triumph. It’s a steady decline into deeper poverty, hunger, and danger. His inability to cope is palpable, and the film never offers easy resolutions or romanticizes his plight.
Movie Ending
Eventually, the journey ends in tragedy when Lean on Pete is fatally injured in an accident. Charley, devastated and alone, reaches his aunt’s house—starved, dirty, and traumatized. Margy (Alison Elliott) welcomes him in and offers him a home, but the emotional damage has been done.
In the final scenes, Charley begins to open up to her, telling the story of his journey and, for the first time, begins to cry. It’s a moment of catharsis. He recounts everything he’s been through—the deaths, the loneliness, the horse he loved. The film ends not with a grand resolution but with a flicker of hope: Charley has finally found someone who will listen, and maybe, just maybe, a safe place to heal.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Lean on Pete does not have any post-credits scenes. The movie closes quietly and respectfully after the emotional finale, in keeping with its understated and realistic tone.
Type of Movie
Lean on Pete is a coming-of-age drama. It’s a meditative, character-driven film rooted in realism, often falling under the category of social realism. It deals with themes of abandonment, poverty, emotional resilience, and the human-animal bond.
Cast
- Charlie Plummer as Charley Thompson
- Steve Buscemi as Del Montgomery
- Chloë Sevigny as Bonnie, the jockey
- Travis Fimmel as Ray Thompson (Charley’s father)
- Steve Zahn as Silver (a troubled drifter)
- Alison Elliott as Aunt Margy
Film Music and Composer
The film’s understated score was composed by James Edward Barker, with additional ambient and minimalistic sound design used to enhance the film’s grounded tone. Music is used sparingly, allowing silence and natural sound to dominate and emphasize Charley’s isolation.
Filming Locations
Filmed on location across the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding desert and rural landscapes of Oregon and Idaho. These locations are integral to the narrative, underscoring Charley’s journey through forgotten towns and vast, empty stretches of land that mirror his emotional desolation.
Awards and Nominations
- Venice Film Festival (2017): Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor (Charlie Plummer)
- British Independent Film Awards (2018): Best Actor (Nomination), Best Director (Nomination)
- London Film Critics’ Circle Awards: Breakthrough Actor – Charlie Plummer (Winner)
While not a major box office success, it was critically acclaimed for its direction and lead performance.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Andrew Haigh insisted on shooting with real horses, which created logistical challenges but enhanced the authenticity of the scenes.
- Charlie Plummer spent time learning how to handle horses and worked closely with trainers to build genuine chemistry with the animal playing Lean on Pete.
- The crew filmed in extreme heat during desert scenes, creating added strain on both cast and animals.
- The horse actor portraying Pete was a retired racehorse, and Plummer reportedly grew very attached to him during production.
Inspirations and References
The film is a direct adaptation of Willy Vlautin’s 2010 novel, also titled Lean on Pete. Vlautin, a musician and novelist, often writes about working-class characters on the margins of American society. Andrew Haigh’s adaptation remains faithful in spirit, if not in every plot detail.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely released alternate endings. However, some scenes that delved deeper into Charley’s past and interactions with his father were reportedly trimmed for pacing. A longer cut included more moments of connection between Charley and Pete, which were removed to keep the narrative focused.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film remains largely faithful to the novel but does streamline some subplots:
- In the novel, Charley’s journey is more extended, with additional characters met along the way.
- The internal monologue and depth of Charley’s thoughts are obviously more pronounced in the book.
- The film minimizes exposition, relying instead on visual storytelling.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Charley and Pete sharing a quiet moment under the stars.
- The harrowing scene where Charley learns Pete will be sold.
- Charley defending Pete during a tense encounter with strangers.
- The emotional final scene where Charley breaks down with his aunt.
Iconic Quotes
- Charley: “He’s my friend. I don’t have anyone else.”
- Del: “You get attached to them, you get hurt. You can’t get sentimental about a horse.”
- Charley (to Pete): “I’m not gonna let them kill you.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The racetrack in Portland is a real location known for its small-time races, adding realism.
- Several background extras were real jockeys and trainers from the area.
- The trailer subtly foreshadows Pete’s fate through imagery of broken fences and empty pastures.
Trivia
- Charlie Plummer won Best Young Actor at Venice, beating out several established names.
- The horse used in the film was not named Lean on Pete in real life—his name was Starsky.
- This is Andrew Haigh’s first film shot entirely in the United States.
Why Watch?
Lean on Pete is for viewers who appreciate intimate, character-driven dramas. It’s a poignant exploration of youth, survival, and the need for connection in a world that often forgets the vulnerable. If you’re looking for an emotionally resonant, beautifully shot film that tackles serious themes with honesty, this one delivers.
Director’s Other Movies
- Weekend (2011) – A romantic drama about a brief but intense relationship.
- 45 Years (2015) – A quiet, devastating look at marriage and memory.
- All of Us Strangers (2023) – A metaphysical drama dealing with grief and identity.
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Rider (2017)
- Wendy and Lucy (2008)
- Into the Wild (2007)
- The Florida Project (2017)
- Kes (1969)
- Mud (2012)
