Lean on Pete

Lean on Pete is a 2017 American drama film which embodies the transformative power of human-animal relationships. It comes from acclaimed writer/director Andrew Haigh, and stars Charlie Plummer in an amazing breakout lead performance, with strong supporting roles from Travis Fimmel, Chloe Sevigny and Steve Buscemi.

The narrative centers on teenage boy Charley Thompson played by Charlie Plummer, whose life is defined by vulnerability and itinerant poverty. Yearning for stability and regular meals, Charley takes on a summer job at a third-rate racetrack in Portland, where he befriends a failing racehorse named Lean on Pete.

Drawing us into Charley's world with striking authenticity, Haigh initiaves a thoughtful exploration of the human experience, class realities, and the search for home that resonates deeply. Building on his remarkable series of character studies, Haigh provides an all too rare depiction of the struggles of America's working poor, yet manages to avoid melodrama, instead opting for a faintly hopeful humanism that is reflected beautifully in Plummer's emotionally profound performance, and mirrored by the expressive depth of Lean on Pete, the horse.

Plummer breathes life into Charley with a gentle but impactful performance. Depicting the vulnerability and resilience of the adolescent boy, he makes Charley pragmatic but dreamy, tough but tender. His relationship with the horse plays out with minimal sentimentality; they are two neglected beings who communicate in silent understandings. Around them, the supporting performances illuminate various pathways that Charley might follow.

Travis Fimmel plays Charley's adrift but loving father. His portrayal is one of a man filled with good intentions, but with shortcomings that often leave him struggling to provide the nurturing his son needs. Fimmel embodies this conflicted character wonderfully, adding spontaneous layers of unpredictability and kindness that deepen our understanding of Charley's complex emotions.

Steve Buscemi portrays Del Montgomery, the beleaguered owner of Lean on Pete, and a horse trainer. He brings an interesting dimension to his character - one that is gruff and exploitative but also sporadically caring. Del's world serves as Charley's introduction to adult responsibility and his learned outlook on life. The other significant character is Bonnie, played by Chloe Sevigny. She is a jockey who attempts to guide Charley with tough love, offering a sharp contrast to the harsh reality that encircles their lives.

The role of the environment and surrounding landscapes is key to Lean on Pete's visual treatment. Cinematographer Magnus Nordenhof Jønck captures the Pacific Northwest's dusty racetracks, cheap motels, and wide-open spaces in an aesthetically pleasing way that manages to highlight the story's inherent desolation, but also a sense of vast potential.

Lean on Pete is not a stereotypical boy-and-horse movie. It’s a soulful and raw coming-of-age story that touches the depths of human emotions and nuances intricately. It's about survival, loneliness, and the desperate urge to have something to hold onto in a world that seems indifferent. Charley’s journey is difficult, heart-wrenching, and seldom fair, but his resilience and determination keep us invested.

Entrusted with the difficult task of crafting a tale that is both emotionally engaging and brutally truthful, director Andrew Haigh finds a balance between tenderness and realism. He excels at observing the subtleties of his subject’s experiences, letting moments breathe in their painful authenticity. His storytelling style leans into the contemplative, encouraging patient viewers to reflect on the characters and their challenging circumstances.

Lean on Pete is a gritty, heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful narrative carried by a remarkable performance from Plummer. This is a coming-of-age drama that eschews sentimentality in favor of a more realistic exploration of life's challenges and how relationships, human or otherwise, can guide us through the toughest of times. A masterclass in understated and compassionate storytelling, Lean on Pete is a stunning piece of cinema worth watching.