Written for the screen and directed by Andrew Haigh, Lean on Pete is based on the book of the same title by Willy Vlautin. The movie follows a teenage boy, played by Charlie Plummer, who makes friends with an aging quarter horse, named Lean on Pete while working at a racetrack. They hit the road together when the horse is intended for the slaughterhouse.

Together they take an epic journey across the modern frontier – an American odyssey. The boy and horse are profoundly bonded.  The movie studies themes of loneliness and finding a connection in unexpected places.

The movie includes a stellar cast with Steve Buscemi, Chole Sevigny, Travis Fimmel, and Steve Zahn.

I am curious, though, how each act plays out in the movie. It is clear that the journey is the second act.  The second act is the toughest to write and seems to be the bulk of the story.

This clip shows a buddy relationship and an old, worn out relationship.

This clip shows that something is going down and it is not good for the horse.

The movie trailer offers a clear understanding of what the movie is about.