Annie's Staff Pick
Lean on Pete
Masterful and terrifically moving coming-of-age adaptation of Willy Vlautin’s award-winning novel.
Director: Andrew Haigh
Cast includes: Charlie Plummer, Steve Buscemi, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Zahn, Travis Fimmel
121 Mins / 2018 / USA
A moving story told through the unique prism of one boy’s connection to a very special racehorse. 15-year-old Charley arrives in Oregon with his single father Ray both eager for a fresh start. While Ray descends into personal turmoil, Charley finds camaraderie at a local racetrack caring for an ageing quarter horse named Lean On Pete. The horse’s gruff owner Del (Steve Buscemi) and his seasoned jockey Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny) help Charley fill the void of his father’s absence until he discovers that Pete is bound for slaughter, prompting him to take extreme measures to spare his new friend’s life. A compassionate and heartrending look at the desire for love, family and acceptance.
Based on the book by superb US novelist and musician Willy Vlautin, a former special guest of the Electric Palace.
- “If you don’t know who Willy Vlautin is, you should” – New Statesman
- “Terrifically moving” – Mark Kermode, The Guardian
- "Potent, stirring, heart-rending" – The Guardian
- "A beautifully crafted journey across America" – Little White Lies
Thursday 11am screenings: all seats just £5, including a free cuppa with your ticket.
Thursday night specials: Dinner and a film
Enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine at Café Maroc from 6pm, followed by a movie treat. Booking required.
