Lean on Pete is a 2017 British coming of age drama film based on Willy Vlautin's 2010 novel of the same name, written and directed by Andrew Haigh and starring Charlie Plummer, Steve Buscemi, Chloë Sevigny, and Travis Fimmel.
When 15-year-old Charley Thompson (Plummer) takes a summer job working for gruff horse trainer Del Montgomery (Buscemi), he develops a strong affinity for a mediocre racehorse called Lean on Pete, who's nearing retirement. Del decides to sell Lean on Pete to the slaughterhouse eventually. Charley has just lost his father Ray (Fimmel) to illness, and not wanting to lose his equine friend either, he steals Lean on Pete and the two go on a cross-country journey, hoping to reach Charley's aunt.
Tropes:
- The Alleged Steed: Lean on Pete is getting on in years and is just not very good for horse racing. Nobody involved in the business has a good opinion of him, so it's only Charley who cares when Lean on Pete is about to be sent to the slaughterhouse.
- Bittersweet Ending: Charley lost Lean on Pete, but when he reaches his aunt, she turns out to be a very nice lady who welcomes him with open arms and promises to provide for and take care of him.
- A Boy and His X: Charley has a strong friendship with Lean on Pete that propels the story and Charley's development as a person.
- Death by Newbery Medal: Lean on Pete is hit by a truck and dies, much to Charley's grief. The end of the film shows he is able to move on, though.
- Double-Meaning Title: Lean on Pete is the name of the horse, but the title can also be understood as Charley having a friend (the said horse) to lean on during troubled times.
- Road Trip Plot: A large part of the movie consists of Charley and Lean on Pete's long journey to Portland, Oregon on foot (Charley doesn't even ride Lean on Pete), hoping Charley's aunt will give them both a place to stay.
