Proving himself to be one of the most gifted, insightful and versatile directors working today, Andrew Haigh's ('45 Years', 'Weekend') 'Lean on Pete'' is a powerfully moving story about a young boy’s search for belonging on the fringes of American society.
Fifteen-year-old Charley lives with his alcoholic father (Travis Fimmel) in a run-down house on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon. In an effort to help his dad stay afloat, Charley takes a job at a local racetrack where he befriends jaded trainer Del (Steve Buscemi) and burnt-out jockey Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny) while caring for an aging horse named Lean on Pete.
But as things break down at home and Del announces Pete will be sold to an uncertain fate, the burden becomes too great for Charley to bear and he heads out into the vast American wilderness with Pete in tow.
Featuring an incredible breakout performance by Charlie Plummer and shot in mesmerising style, 'Lean on Pete' is a poignant, compassionate and heart-rending portrait of love, loss and acceptance that resonates with profound humanity.
★★★★ "A standout performance from Plummer makes this thoughtful drama swing" - Ed Gibbs, Little White Lies
★★★★ "Powerful and poignant filmmaking" - Geoffrey Macnab, The Independent
★★★★ "Plummer gives an excellent performance: watchful, sensitive, delicate" - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
★★★★ "Rivetingly beautiful" - Robbie Collin, The Telegraph
★★★★★ "Haigh’s new film has the substance and emotional heft to be considered a masterpiece" - Kevin Maher, The Times
15
117 minutes
2018
Drama
United Kingdom
English
None
Curzon Artificial Eye