Lean on Pete is a 2017 drama film directed by Andrew Haigh and based on the novel of the same name by Willy Vlautin. It stars Charlie Plummer as Charley Thompson, a 15-year-old boy who moves to Portland, Oregon, with his single father, played by Travis Fimmel.
Charley gets a job with Del Montgomery, played by Steve Buscemi, who trains horses for racing. He is assigned to take care of Lean on Pete, a racehorse who is past his prime. Charley becomes close to the horse, who he sees as a companion and friend.
When Charley learns that Lean on Pete is destined for the slaughterhouse, he makes the decision to steal the horse and run away with him. They set off on a journey across the western US, facing a variety of challenges and meeting an array of characters along the way.
As they travel, Charley must confront the difficult realities of life, including poverty, loneliness, and the harshness of the natural world. He also learns about the importance of friendship and compassion, both towards others and towards animals.
Lean on Pete received critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise for the performances of Plummer and Buscemi, as well as Haigh's direction and the film's poignant exploration of themes related to love and loss.