Lean on Pete is a title shared by a 2017 novel by American author William Kent Krueger and a 2022 feature film adaptation directed by Andrew Haigh.
Novel
- Author: William Kent Krueger
- Publication date: August 2017 (Harper Collins)
- Genre: Literary fiction, mystery, coming‑of‑age
- Synopsis: The novel follows 15‑year‑old Charley Thompson, who, after the death of his mother, becomes the caretaker of a thoroughbred racehorse named Pete. Set in the Upper Midwest during the 1970s, the narrative explores themes of loss, loyalty, and the search for identity as Charley navigates a series of personal and legal challenges while forming a bond with the horse.
- Reception: Lean on Pete received favorable reviews from major publications, praised for its atmospheric prose and compassionate portrayal of rural American life. It appeared on several year‑end best‑book lists and was a finalist for the 2018 Minnesota Book Awards in the fiction category.
- Translations: The novel has been translated into multiple languages, including German, Italian, and Japanese.
Film
- Director: Andrew Haigh
- Screenplay: Andrew Haigh (adapted from Krueger's novel)
- Release: Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2022; wide U.S. release in August 2022 (United Artists Releasing)
- Cast:
- Charlie Plummer as Charley Thompson
- Steve Carell as Del Montgomery, a horse trainer who becomes Charley’s mentor
- Travis Fimmel as Craig, a ranch hand
- Plot: The film retains the central premise of the novel, focusing on Charley’s relationship with the racehorse Pete and his struggle for independence following his mother's death. The adaptation emphasizes visual storytelling and the emotional connection between the boy and the animal.
- Critical response: The film garnered positive reviews for its direction, cinematography, and performances, particularly those of Plummer and Carell. It holds a favorable rating on aggregate review sites and was noted for its sensitive handling of themes such as grief and resilience.
- Awards: Nominated for several independent film awards; received the Special Jury Prize for Acting at the 2022 San Sebastián International Film Festival.
Other Uses
The phrase “lean on Pete” does not correspond to a widely recognized idiom or historical expression outside the contexts of the novel and its film adaptation. No separate cultural or linguistic meaning has been documented in major reference works.