Lean on Pete

(spoiler free)

In Andrew Haigh’s latest film, ‘Lean on Pete’, he tells the story of a young boy named Charley. He lives with his single Father Ray but often has to fend for himself. He finds some work at a nearby stable caring for racehorse trainer, Del’s, horses. He develops a particular connection with one of Del’s more aged horses, Lean on Pete. The film follows Charley’s time working for Del amongst the other unfolding drama in his teenage life.

On paper this doesn’t sound like a particularly gripping story and for many it might prove laborious, however taken the time to get to know Charley it’s so easy to root for him and as a result the narrative is engaging. Charley’s likeability plays a major role in keeping your attention sustained throughout. However, even this isn’t quite enough to maintain a consistent level of pacing for the film as a whole. After a certain narrative turn ‘Lean on Pete’ seems to meander somewhat, although this can be forgiven for its strong ending which makes you forget about this period of pacing problems. It’s a very emotional story but one that feels authentic and largely free from cliches. Something that would have been very easy to include in this coming-of-age style narrative.

It’s Charlie Plummer, most recently seen in Ridley Scott’s ‘All The Money In The World’, who is tasked with bringing Charley to life on the big screen. The young actor does a tremendous job of presenting Charley’s endearing gentle nature. The combination of his performance and the writing make Charley’s more rare outbursts of emotion all the more effective. He carries much of the film’s weight solely on his own shoulders, but he does so with considerable ease delivering an incredibly accomplished performance. His supporting cast measure up too. It’s Steve Buscemi that stands out most as Del, proving that he’s still capable of starring in more than just Adam Sandler Netflix comedies. The remaining cast members all contribute to that authenticity that the film holds too and always help in telling Charley’s story.

‘Lean on Pete’ is a tender, but also hard-hitting coming-of-age drama told through the lens of an often unrewarding way of life. Charlie Plummer excels in the leading role with strong support from the entirety of the remaining cast. The desire to see Charley do well is vital in making this stripped back story succeed, but this is made easy due to they way he is portrayed and written. ‘Lean On Pete’ does suffer from some pacing issues but these never hold it back from telling its story or conveying its emotion in an overly detrimental way. Go in willing to ride out a narrative that takes its time and you should be able to appreciate a real thoroughbred of dramatic cinema.

Written by Hamish Calvert

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Rating – 8/10

Question: What’s your favourite performance from a coming-of-age film?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)

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