Lean on Pete

This is a film that succeeds in holding all its elements in balance - and in doing so, arrives at a depth of feeling that isn't commonplace at all.

And as the film enters into its final third, Plummer is steady and brilliant demonstrating not only Charley's growth, but also how his naivety becomes mixed with darkness.

For all its sometimes over-episodic structure, Haigh has crafted a quietly affecting coming-of-age journey tale sustained by a central performance that never feels forced or contrived.

Lean on Pete is a film that will be too introspective for some audiences, and arguably too saddening to witness for others, but there's genuine catharsis that is earned due to great performances and technical filmmaking.