Lean on Pete

Lean on Pete

Year: 2018

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Haigh

AdventureDrama

Fleeing a difficult past, a young man and his father relocate to Portland, Oregon, hoping for a fresh start. When his father struggles, the boy finds connection and comfort at a local racetrack, where he befriends Lean on Pete, an aging racehorse facing an uncertain future. As circumstances worsen, he sets out on a challenging journey with the horse to find a distant relative, encountering unexpected obstacles and forging a unique bond along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Lean on Pete (2018)

Trace every key event in Lean on Pete (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Charley's Early Jog

Charley Thompson, a 15-year-old, begins his day with a jog near a racetrack in Portland, Oregon. Recently relocated with his troubled father, Ray, Charley seeks a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos in their lives.

Portland, Oregon
2

Charley Takes a Job

During his jog, Charley encounters Del, the grumpy owner of a racehorse named Lean On Pete. Charley takes on a job caring for the horse, despite the hard labor imposed by Del, and they start to bond through shared experiences.

3

Ray's Affair and Family Struggles

As Charley develops a rapport with Del, he begins to open up about his family issues, including the absence of his birth mother and the obstacles in visiting his Aunt Margy, his only maternal figure. This moment deepens their bond and reveals Charley's sense of loss.

4

Ray's Violent Encounter

Charley's life takes a dark turn when a Samoan man invades their home, attacking Ray over an affair. Ray suffers serious injuries, facing life-threatening glass lacerations that lead them to the hospital for urgent care.

Charley's home
5

Ray's Poor Health

After a hospital visit, Ray is diagnosed with a grave septic infection. In a vulnerable moment, he encourages Charley to pursue the job with Del, despite his son's desire to stay and care for him during his recovery.

Hospital
6

Lean On Pete's Victory

In a twist of fate, Del’s best jockey, Bonnie, rides Lean On Pete to a thrilling victory at a race. However, it soon becomes clear that due to Pete's age, he is at risk of being sold for slaughter, creating a sense of impending doom.

Racetrack
7

Ray's Death

Charley's world collapses when he returns home to find out about Ray's death. Heartbroken and alone, he clings to his father's belt, symbolizing his loss as he flees before Social Services can intervene.

8

Desperation for Pete

As Charley quickly learns that Lean On Pete has lost a race and is to be sold, he confronts Del and Bonnie for help. When they dismiss him, Charley becomes determined to save the horse, leading him to make a reckless decision.

9

Stealing Del's Truck

In a desperate move, Charley steals Del's truck and takes Lean On Pete on a journey towards Wyoming, hoping to find Aunt Margy. This decision marks a turning point in his life, driving him further into uncertainty and danger.

10

Struggles on the Road

Facing the harsh realities of life on the road, Charley runs out of money and resorts to siphoning gas and dining-and-dashing. Their situation becomes increasingly precarious as they navigate the unforgiving desert together.

Desert
11

Help from Strangers

Charley and Pete encounter two Army veterans, Mike and Dallas, who offer them food and shelter. Despite their kindness, Charley feels uneasy and chooses to leave under the cover of darkness, revealing his distrust.

Veterans' home
12

Tragic Loss of Pete

The next morning, a devastating accident occurs when Lean On Pete is startled by motorcycles and is tragically hit by a car. Charley is plunged into deep grief, both for his beloved horse and the chaotic events of his journey.

Desert road
13

Escape from Authorities

After the accident, police arrive at the scene, prompting Charley to evade them and continue on his journey alone. The loss of Pete weighs heavily on him, marking a significant low point in his young life.

14

Seeking Shelter

Charley breaks into a house in search of water and a place to clean himself. Eventually, he finds temporary refuge with a struggling couple, Silver and Martha, but their relationship quickly turns sour due to rising tensions.

Stranger's house
15

Reunion with Aunt Margy

After an altercation with Silver, Charley hops a bus to Laramie, Wyoming, where he finds his Aunt Margy. In her comforting presence, he opens up about his harrowing journey, allowing himself to grieve for both Pete and Ray.

Laramie, Wyoming

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 15:54

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Lean on Pete Summary

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Lean on Pete Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lean on Pete

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Lean on Pete

More About Lean on Pete

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