To Leslie follows the eponymous Leslie (Andrea Riseborough), a Southern woman who finds herself at the bottom of the barrel after finally using up every penny of her $190k lottery win. Out of work, friends, and family, she drowns herself in alcohol—that is until a kind soul in the form of motel owner Sweeney (Marc Maron) takes her in and gives her a shot.
To Leslie starts off a bit slow, and its premise may seem like it’ll give way to weepiness, but it’s worth sticking by till the end. The film only gets better, especially with the arrival of Maron, whose presence lends the film a much-needed buoyancy. It’s also worth noting that unlike many of its kind, To Leslie avoids the poverty porn trap by depicting issues like addiction and indigence with nuance, honesty, and humanity.
"Riseborough makes a virtuoso display of the script’s gamut of screen clichés, ranging from loud aggression and wheedling sweetness to humbled desperation and proud defiance..."
— Richard Brody
"To Leslie doesn’t always make things easy, but it’s deeply touching to watch the film’s characters learn how to share their mutual good fortune."
— David Ehrlich
A West Texas single mother wins the lottery and squanders it just as fast, leaving behind a world of heartbreak. Years later, with her charm running out and nowhere to go, she fights to rebuild her life and find redemption.
Oscars
1 nomination
Spirit Awards
1 nomination
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
