English summary

Language spoken: English | Subtitles: Dutch

“Intelligent, intimate drama about connection and security.”

Fifteen-year-old Charley Thompson usually has to fend for himself: he is the son of a single father who has enough trouble just keeping his own life on track. When they move to Portland, he hopes to make a fresh start.

Charley finds a job with Del Montgomery (Steve Buscemi), a veteran horse trainer who earns money on racing, with his jockey Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny). Charley makes friends with the worn-out racehorse called Lean on Pete. When Del unexpectedly decides to send his horse to the slaughter, Charley grabs Lean on Pete and runs away. They embark on a dangerous journey through the vast wilderness of Oregon and Wyoming, in search of a beloved family member whom Charley has not seen in years.

Director Andrew Haigh (‘45 Years’) has again won many awards with this poignant and beautifully filmed drama. The film, based on the prize-winning book by Willy Vlautin, is all about connection, security and growing up.