Lean on Pete

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1:41

Lean on Pete

R

2018

2h 2m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

189 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Charley, a teen living with his single father, finds work caring for an aging racehorse named Lean on Pete. When he learns Pete is bound for slaughter, the two embark on an odyssey across the new American frontier in search of a place to call home.

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Critics Consensus

Lean on Pete avoids mawkish melodrama, offering an empathetic yet clear-eyed portrayal of a young man at a crossroads that confirms Charley Plummer as a major talent.

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Jake Wilson

The Age (Australia)

Dec 3, 2018

4/5

This is a film that succeeds in holding all its elements in balance - and in doing so, arrives at a depth of feeling that isn't commonplace at all.

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Robert Daniels

812filmreviews

Aug 27, 2018

3.5/4

And as the film enters into its final third, Plummer is steady and brilliant demonstrating not only Charley's growth, but also how his naivety becomes mixed with darkness.

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Philip Kemp

Sight & Sound

May 9, 2018

For all its sometimes over-episodic structure, Haigh has crafted a quietly affecting coming-of-age journey tale sustained by a central performance that never feels forced or contrived.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

Aug 7, 2024

A

Lean on Pete is a film that will be too introspective for some audiences, and arguably too saddening to witness for others, but there's genuine catharsis that is earned due to great performances and technical filmmaking.

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Benedict Seal

Vague Visages

Dec 5, 2023

Through time and living and learning with these characters, Lean on Pete hits the mark emotionally and reveals itself to be a poised, moving film.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Aug 23, 2022

4/5

“Lean on Pete” is a tough watch and sometimes our lone refuge lies in the picturesque landscapes of cinematographer Magnus Nordenhof Jønck.

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TheMovieSearch R

@TheMovieSearch 6 days ago

Charlie Plummer delivers an incredible performance in Lean on Pete, playing a young man who forms a bond with a racehorse he believes deserves a better life. He recognizes the horse’s potential and knows it needs a loving hand. I found myself invested in the journey and in wanting to see Pete receive the care and protection he deserves. The film is beautifully directed and thoughtfully put together. It captures the connection between a person and an animal, and how deeply that bond can matter. The story shows what it means to care about something so much that you are willing to do whatever it takes to protect it and stand up for it. Plummer brings real heart to the role, making that connection feel genuine. Lean on Pete is one of those films that stays with you because you become emotionally invested. It is heartfelt, moving, and beautifully handled. I wanted to see Pete make it just as much as the young man did. This is a breathtaking film, and I absolutely recommend it.

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Keith A

@RT48453165 Feb 12, 2026

A very well-made film. I had the expectation based on the synopsis that it was mostly a story about a teen trying to save a horse. It was much more than that. I was very surprised. Although it was hard watching Charlie having to endure so much hardship, it showed his toughness and willingness to tough it through every obstacle thrown ahead of him. Not a perfect kid by any means, but you want to root for him.

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Anthony T.

@awtiv Jul 20, 2025

A beautiful, realistic and gripping character study of a young man who’s down on his luck but trying his best. How had I never heard of this movie?! So thankful I came across it and decided to watch.

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Joseph T

@WildWestern Apr 24, 2025

The real America Down to the smallest details. Plumber’s performance resonates deeply within.

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Bobby E

@RT23212962 Apr 17, 2025

Mr. Plummer is an amazing actor . He absolutly nailed his role . The story had all the right structure . I felt everything that Charlie was going through . Wonderful movie .

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Efrem M

@GloryBe Aug 2, 2024

A sincere movie about the struggles of a teenage boy with tenacity and vigor for life. Charlie Plummer is a great actor on the rise.

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Synopsis

Charley, a teen living with his single father, finds work caring for an aging racehorse named Lean on Pete. When he learns Pete is bound for slaughter, the two embark on an odyssey across the new American frontier in search of a place to call home.

Director: Andrew Haigh
Producer: Tristan Goligher
Screenwriter: Andrew Haigh
Distributor: A24
Production Co: The Bureau
Rating: R (Language and Brief Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 6, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 3, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 2h 2m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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