[yasr_overall_rating]
A teenager gets a summer job working for a horse trainer and befriends the fading racehorse, Lean on Pete.
Animal tales are typically derivative and aimed at young audiences. “Lean on Pete,” released by A24, surpasses any tropes or expectations. The story centers on a boy and the horse he grows to love. The boy is Charley (Charlie Plummer), living in poverty with his young single father in the Pacific Northwestern Cascades. His father, who drinks often, seems to be more of a buddy than a typical patriarchal figure. One night Charley’s father is assaulted and must rely on his son for a reliable income. Charley meets Del (Steve Buscemi), a cynical horse trainer who offers him work to care for an aging racehorse. The movie shows the rough and at times mundane tasks it takes to work in a stable. Charley is taken by Lean on Pete and doesn’t mind his fluctuating wages. Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny) is a veteran horse jockey who is used to changing horses and their unlucky fates.
Charley discovers that Lean on Pete is destined to be slaughtered over his dwindling racing performances. After learning this, he’s determined to take his companion to a safe home. The story stays grounded, keeping in mind that Charley is a 15-year-old boy. He runs out of money, fumbles over maps, and is forced to go through many obstacles that would test most people twice his age.
“Lean on Pete” is a road movie, refreshingly slowed to the pace of a horse trot. There are also some exciting moments, in particular, it was great to see Pete win a race on a rugged dusty trail. At times though, the narrative veers a little off course but still moving without feeling too manipulative. The natural cinematography elevates the story, making quiet moments powerful. It’s rare to find such a mature movie about a child and a horse that isn’t produced in PG Purgatory.
Available on Blu-ray & DVD July 10th
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