Proving himself to be one of the most gifted, insightful and versatile directors working today, Andrew Haigh (45 Years, Weekend) returns with Lean on Pete, a powerfully moving and deeply emotional story about a young boy’s search for belonging on the fringes of contemporary 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.
Director: Andrew Haigh
Based on: Lean on Pete; by Willy Vlautin
Story by: Willy Vlautin
Running time: Certificate: 15
Festivals: Official selection, 2017 Venice Film Festival, Winner of the 2017 Venice Marcello Mastroianni Award – Charlie Plummer, Official selection, 2017 Toronto International Film Festival
Dyddiad: April 6, 2018
Distributor: Curzon Artifical Eye
Contact: Booking
