Everyone loves a winner, which is why so many movies showcase success. If you are going to showcase failure, you'd better know what you are doing. And the team behind TO LESLIE -- director Michael Morris and writer Ryan Binaco -- know exactly what they are doing. The script in particular is so precise you could study it in film class. Literally 60 seconds after you encounter the central character (Leslie) winning a lottery, you re-engage with her years later -- drunk and mean and homeless. The viewer is hooked. The dialog throughout is fat-free, and the direction never once relies on cheap tricks (like loud background music) to make a point. The unspoken truth with these sorts of stories is that Leslie could be you, or someone you know. We all make mistakes. And we all try to fix them. Sometimes we succeed. Sometimes we don't. Andrea Riseborough as Leslie gives an awesome performance; and Stephen Root, way outside of his usual comfort zone, is a standout. Marc Maron is in a class by himself -- he could give acting clinics on "empathy." Easily one of the most engaging films of the year. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))
104 Reviews
Riseborough rises to the challenge
Boristhemoggy12 October 2022
A young mother wins and then squanders a lottery win, losing herself to alcoholism and her family to the aftermath. The film charts her journey to redemption.
I think it's rare to see performances like this one. Yes there's oscar winners every year, but they tend to be for formulaic roles and popular roles, rather than for technical merit as an actor.
In To Leslie Riseborough reminds us what acting really is. You don't see an actor playing the role of a recovering alcoholic, you see a recovering alcoholic. She breathes life into the role and every nuanced move, glance, pursing of lips, scrunching of eyes, movement of body is the epitome of a woman in torment. Her delivery is perfect.
I was shocked to see her so thin which lent authenticity to the role, but she had me right from the opening scene right the way through to the very last scene where she held nothing back. She gave everything to her part.
It reminded me of Jessica Chastain in The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Total immersion into the role where the pretended morphed into the real and you forgot it was acting.
To Leslie was flawlessly directed and Riseborough benefited from a strong cast. Janney was her usual excellent self, but there was not one weak character in the film.
Absolutely spellbinding and I give this a very rare 8.
I think it's rare to see performances like this one. Yes there's oscar winners every year, but they tend to be for formulaic roles and popular roles, rather than for technical merit as an actor.
In To Leslie Riseborough reminds us what acting really is. You don't see an actor playing the role of a recovering alcoholic, you see a recovering alcoholic. She breathes life into the role and every nuanced move, glance, pursing of lips, scrunching of eyes, movement of body is the epitome of a woman in torment. Her delivery is perfect.
I was shocked to see her so thin which lent authenticity to the role, but she had me right from the opening scene right the way through to the very last scene where she held nothing back. She gave everything to her part.
It reminded me of Jessica Chastain in The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Total immersion into the role where the pretended morphed into the real and you forgot it was acting.
To Leslie was flawlessly directed and Riseborough benefited from a strong cast. Janney was her usual excellent self, but there was not one weak character in the film.
Absolutely spellbinding and I give this a very rare 8.
Andrea Riseborough Is phenomenal
SantaCruzReviews16 October 2022
I found this film evocative and provocative. It was a deep dive into the pain and wreckage that is left in the wake of addiction. Andrea Riseborough transforms herself into a down and out alcoholic who is on a day to day survival program. Her non-verbal acting is over the top good.
Mark Moran appears as an unlikely hero who demonstrates what the power of believing in someone can do.
Andre Royo (loved him in the Wire) plays a lovable sidekick with no shortage of street wisdom.
I highly recommended this movie to anyone who is interested in a human drama about a human being searching for redemption.
Mark Moran appears as an unlikely hero who demonstrates what the power of believing in someone can do.
Andre Royo (loved him in the Wire) plays a lovable sidekick with no shortage of street wisdom.
I highly recommended this movie to anyone who is interested in a human drama about a human being searching for redemption.
A well executed movie that's been done before
mesaxi9 February 2023
There's nothing wrong with treading the same ground and exploring the same themes as other movies. To Leslie was an entertaining rendition of the "down and out, get back on your feet" trope. It was a good first movie for Michael Morris, who still needs to shake off some of that TV sentimentality. The movie exists in a world that's real enough to keep you engaged, but not so visceral that it turns you off. It meanders it's way from uncomfortable and tense to the territory of a 90's feel-good movie.
The film is essentially a vehicle for Andrea Riseborough who is always good, but I think she overdoes it a bit. For the most part she was excellent throughout this movie, but when the character ramps it up to 10 she tends to hit 11. There were times I had to remind myself that she's British because she assumed the identity of a Texan so well. Honorable mention to Marc Maron who impressed me. For the most part his role was nothing to write about, but I only ever knew him as a comedian and I was surprised to see him holding his own extended dialogues with an actress like Andrea Riseborough.
The film is essentially a vehicle for Andrea Riseborough who is always good, but I think she overdoes it a bit. For the most part she was excellent throughout this movie, but when the character ramps it up to 10 she tends to hit 11. There were times I had to remind myself that she's British because she assumed the identity of a Texan so well. Honorable mention to Marc Maron who impressed me. For the most part his role was nothing to write about, but I only ever knew him as a comedian and I was surprised to see him holding his own extended dialogues with an actress like Andrea Riseborough.
Powerful stuff
garethcrook12 February 2023
I know absolutely nothing about this film. Other than the performance from Andrea Riseborough got a lot of attention for gatecrashing the Oscar's nominations. She plays Leslie. A firebrand Texan who wins $190k, but who we meet being kicked out of a cheap apartment, penniless. The money gone and bridges apparently torched to the ground. This is a gritty and true story of hopeful redemption. James (Owen Teague), her son hasn't given up hope and barely 10 minutes in, I'm fully onboard and praying that she doesn't screw this up. He's a good kid. I say kid, he's grown up and capable. More capable than Leslie, who's an alcoholic train wreck, who quickly dashes my hopes. It's hard to watch. Riseborough really is quite brilliant. Vile as Leslie but brilliant. You want to root for Leslie. Want her to find her feet. Gain the control she needs, but she doesn't make it easy and neither do those around her. Texas looks a lonely place, especially through her eyes. Dry heat and dust. Blue collar brutalism. Everyone just keeping moving slowly onward. You can appreciate the drudgery and Leslie's desire to "Just have some fun". Kicked out by James, she bounces around. Still drinking, incapable of looking after herself. There's plenty of bar scenes. Neon Miller signs on the walls as awful country music twangs in the background. It's like a slow motion car crash. Someone has got to find the brakes. Could that be Sweeney (Marc Maron), a nice guy charitable type who steps in with a job and roof. He's not daft though, he sees what she's up to, but he's patient. I like Maron a lot. I'm sure he'd admit he's not the best actor, but he's honest, homely. Maybe it helps that Maron understands what Leslie is about to go through. Riseborough is hauntingly good and together they grab this story by the horns. Almost quite literally, as things get a bit redneck at the town fair. Who doesn't love a bit of line dancing in the sun though. It's powerful stuff. It looks remarkably good too, despite the bleakness. I don't want to give anything away, but it's not a typical redemption tale. I've no idea how close to the true story it is, but it feels honest. There's no fluff, no needless sentiment. I've no idea if Riseborough will win the Oscar, but she deserves to as much as anyone. That said, the Oscar's are pointless anyway, but I'm thankful in this case that their existence brought me To Leslie.
Fine Performance in a Decent Film
evanston_dad13 February 2023
"To Leslie" was already on my watch list for the year before Andrea Riseborough was nominated for an Oscar, but her surprise nomination moved it to the top of my queue. Fans of her performance would have you believe it's the greatest thing ever etched into the eternity of cinema heaven, but I kept my expectations in check because we're talking about social media in 2023 and mankind has lost its ability to have perspective on literally anything.
And I was right to be cautious. Riseborough gives a good performance in a solid film. It's certainly better than many performances the Academy has nominated over the years, but not as good as many others. She's a very mannered actress, which has always prevented me from liking her in other things. I've never liked her more than I did in this, so there's that. But the bar wasn't set high. Her performance is showy and Oscar-baity, and she never for a second stops Acting with a capital "A."
The movie around her is standard issue addiction drama, misery porn for about an hour and a half and then a pat and tidy redemptive ending tacked on when the writers knew they had pushed the audience's endurance for feeling crappy just shy of the breaking point.
The film's best asset and the one nobody is talking about is Marc Maron. If anyone from the film should have nominated, it's him.
Grade: B+
And I was right to be cautious. Riseborough gives a good performance in a solid film. It's certainly better than many performances the Academy has nominated over the years, but not as good as many others. She's a very mannered actress, which has always prevented me from liking her in other things. I've never liked her more than I did in this, so there's that. But the bar wasn't set high. Her performance is showy and Oscar-baity, and she never for a second stops Acting with a capital "A."
The movie around her is standard issue addiction drama, misery porn for about an hour and a half and then a pat and tidy redemptive ending tacked on when the writers knew they had pushed the audience's endurance for feeling crappy just shy of the breaking point.
The film's best asset and the one nobody is talking about is Marc Maron. If anyone from the film should have nominated, it's him.
Grade: B+
Mind-blowingly realistic
farmeglio9 October 2022
The character was so repulsive that at first I didn't think I could ever find one redeeming quality in her. She was odious. So since I didn't yet know anybody else's character, and since the whole thing was getting to be a real bummer, you know, like real life can be, I thought about dumping the whole show. But out of curiosity, I decided to hang on a bit longer.
It paid off big time. This is a great movie. It is not preachy, not judgmental, you have no idea how it will end, and it does a satisfying job. The acting is great, the script is fantastic, and the story has total credibility. I'm glad I stayed with it.
It paid off big time. This is a great movie. It is not preachy, not judgmental, you have no idea how it will end, and it does a satisfying job. The acting is great, the script is fantastic, and the story has total credibility. I'm glad I stayed with it.
Heartbreaking story that makes you cry in a good way.
tmorrow_us21 March 2022
One of the very best films I saw at SXSW 2022.
I don't usually cry watching films but the characters were so genuine and heartfelt that I did. Another male audience member said the same thing: not someone who cries but this time yes. One thing I really liked was the way in which the writers don't spoon feed you the story; some things are unexplained and you don't always understand exactly why or what is happening just like in real life. Combined with the handheld camera work, there was a gritty fly on the wall perspective. This gave it the feel of a "filmmaker film" rather than a Hollywood focus group formula.
Andrea really showed her acting chops; I had to look her up and see what films I had been missing. But sadly she seems to have mostly been in schlocky formulaic films in the past. Hoping this is the inflection point where she starts getting more roles of the caliber of her acting.
I don't usually cry watching films but the characters were so genuine and heartfelt that I did. Another male audience member said the same thing: not someone who cries but this time yes. One thing I really liked was the way in which the writers don't spoon feed you the story; some things are unexplained and you don't always understand exactly why or what is happening just like in real life. Combined with the handheld camera work, there was a gritty fly on the wall perspective. This gave it the feel of a "filmmaker film" rather than a Hollywood focus group formula.
Andrea really showed her acting chops; I had to look her up and see what films I had been missing. But sadly she seems to have mostly been in schlocky formulaic films in the past. Hoping this is the inflection point where she starts getting more roles of the caliber of her acting.
Oscar nominated
SnoopyStyle4 February 2023
Leslie Rowlands (Andrea Riseborough) is a single mother and a drunk in West Texas. It's six years after $190k in lotto winnings. She wasted it all and is completely broke. She gets thrown out of her motel home. Her drinking ruptures all of her remaining relationships. Motel manager Sweeney (Marc Maron) takes pity on her and gives her a job.
This is a micro indie. It was off my radar until Andrea Riseborough gets her Oscar nomination. I'm a completist at heart and it would be odd to not watch this. The story itself is relatively straight forward. It's a bit long at two hours. It is all about Riseborough's performance. She's a pretty actress who always disappears into her roles. That's what she does here. It's great drunk acting and that's deceptively hard. She's a complicated character and a rather awful character for the first part. The only question is whether she's worthy of the nomination. I will have to check out Till before my final decision. Aside from that, I would probably pick her over Michelle Williams who is not really the lead in that movie. She's likely worth a top five.
This is a micro indie. It was off my radar until Andrea Riseborough gets her Oscar nomination. I'm a completist at heart and it would be odd to not watch this. The story itself is relatively straight forward. It's a bit long at two hours. It is all about Riseborough's performance. She's a pretty actress who always disappears into her roles. That's what she does here. It's great drunk acting and that's deceptively hard. She's a complicated character and a rather awful character for the first part. The only question is whether she's worthy of the nomination. I will have to check out Till before my final decision. Aside from that, I would probably pick her over Michelle Williams who is not really the lead in that movie. She's likely worth a top five.
Wow, a near-perfect social commentary and character study. It's very rare to watch a film feel this authentic and real.
Top_Dawg_Critic10 October 2022
Sure, this type of story has been told before, but never this well, and certainly never this authentic and real. It almost felt like there was a hidden camera following a real-life Lee around battling her demons and going through life.
I'm not a fan of slow-paced films, but every second in the just under two hour runtime was used to perfection. I actually wanted more. This is TV film director Michael Morris' full length feature film debut, and what a masterclass achievement his directing was. Along with Ryan Binaco in his second ever writing credit, they managed to create a truly atmospheric, powerful, honest and multi-layered complex portrait on alcohol addiction.
As great as the filmmaking is, the Oscar-worthy performance by Andrea Riseborough as Leslie "Lee", is the icing on the cake. She is clearly an underrated actress, and I can't think of anyone that could've been cast or perform better than she did. Every expression - tear, smile and stare she gave told a thousand stories. Her chemistry with Marc Maron as Sweeney was undeniable. For that matter, all casting and performances were outstanding - props to the casting director. I only wish we saw more of Allison Janney.
Even the cinematography and score were perfect. Along with the excellent sets and landscape that fit every scene perfectly, there really isn't much to critique in this gem of a film. It's the perfectly made social commentary and character study of its topic.
To Leslie needs to be a curriculum study in every category of film school - from writing, directing, acting, cinematography, etc. It truly is one of the very few near-perfect films out of my 1500+ reviewed films, and a well deserved 9/10 from me. A standing ovation to all cast and crew is in order.
I'm not a fan of slow-paced films, but every second in the just under two hour runtime was used to perfection. I actually wanted more. This is TV film director Michael Morris' full length feature film debut, and what a masterclass achievement his directing was. Along with Ryan Binaco in his second ever writing credit, they managed to create a truly atmospheric, powerful, honest and multi-layered complex portrait on alcohol addiction.
As great as the filmmaking is, the Oscar-worthy performance by Andrea Riseborough as Leslie "Lee", is the icing on the cake. She is clearly an underrated actress, and I can't think of anyone that could've been cast or perform better than she did. Every expression - tear, smile and stare she gave told a thousand stories. Her chemistry with Marc Maron as Sweeney was undeniable. For that matter, all casting and performances were outstanding - props to the casting director. I only wish we saw more of Allison Janney.
Even the cinematography and score were perfect. Along with the excellent sets and landscape that fit every scene perfectly, there really isn't much to critique in this gem of a film. It's the perfectly made social commentary and character study of its topic.
To Leslie needs to be a curriculum study in every category of film school - from writing, directing, acting, cinematography, etc. It truly is one of the very few near-perfect films out of my 1500+ reviewed films, and a well deserved 9/10 from me. A standing ovation to all cast and crew is in order.
Hallmark ending really killed this movie's potential
Airman876 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Let me start by saying the hype around Andrea Riseborough's performance is absolutely merited. It is by far the standout feature of this film and easily ranks among the best - if not the best - leading actress performances seen so far this awards season.
For many viewers, the subject matter of the film will be one that hits too close to home. Like millions of families suffering from chronically ill addicted family members, the literal highs and lows become vividly drawn out through Michael Morris' direction in this film. The film's story does a good job of centralizing around several key cast members to portray this journey of the bridges burned and people met along the way. Notable actress Allison Janney does an impeccable job playing the antagonist, albeit her best work doesn't come until the end of film's surprisingly short feeling two hour runtime.
The downturn of the film for me was Ryan Binaco's screenplay and its ending, spelling out too literal of a feel-good Hallmark story about family reconnection. Letting the audience fill in their own conclusion would have probably served a much better and relatable ending. If the credits rolled with Leslie standing on the back porch of her new {failed} diner, contemplating a drink from Royal's flask, I would have been absolutely elated. I also feel like this movie's praise would have been much higher with critics; instead it took the much easier route of predictability and jovialness, much like Leslie did with her next drink....
For many viewers, the subject matter of the film will be one that hits too close to home. Like millions of families suffering from chronically ill addicted family members, the literal highs and lows become vividly drawn out through Michael Morris' direction in this film. The film's story does a good job of centralizing around several key cast members to portray this journey of the bridges burned and people met along the way. Notable actress Allison Janney does an impeccable job playing the antagonist, albeit her best work doesn't come until the end of film's surprisingly short feeling two hour runtime.
The downturn of the film for me was Ryan Binaco's screenplay and its ending, spelling out too literal of a feel-good Hallmark story about family reconnection. Letting the audience fill in their own conclusion would have probably served a much better and relatable ending. If the credits rolled with Leslie standing on the back porch of her new {failed} diner, contemplating a drink from Royal's flask, I would have been absolutely elated. I also feel like this movie's praise would have been much higher with critics; instead it took the much easier route of predictability and jovialness, much like Leslie did with her next drink....
Andrea Riseborough gives a truly remarkable performance
steiner-sam20 January 2023
It's a clear-eyed drama set in western Texas, probably in the 1990s. It tells the journey of an alcoholic 40-ish woman battling her demons as she pursues her next drink and deals with inklings of better possibilities.
Leslie (Andrea Riseborough) is an alcoholic mom who wins $190,000 in the lottery but soon blows it in bad investments and having fun. She abandons her 13-year-old son, James (Owen Teague), leaving him to her sister, Nancy (Allison Janney), and Nancy's biker boyfriend, Dutch (Stephen Root). Six years later, after striking out with her now-19-year-old son in the city, she returns to the small Texas town where she grew up, won the lottery, and alienated her family and friends.
Through happenstance, she ends ups at a low-brow, non-chain motel owned by Royal (Andre Royo), a burned-out druggie. Royal's partner, Sweeney (Marc Maron), runs the motel and has his own hard experience with alcoholic women. Recognizing Leslie's situation, he offers her a job as a maid. The film follows Leslie's struggle to make this work and whether she has the stamina to stay in the town and face the consequences.
"To Leslie" was an independent film made for less than $1 million; by November 2022, it had taken in under $30,000. Nonetheless, it has created a lot of buzz. Andrea Riseborough gives a truly remarkable performance as a manipulative alcoholic woman, burdened by her failures and trying to find the will to survive. Marc Maron provides empathy and second/third/fourth chance. The mostly country music that accompanies the film is excellent. Only the ending is less than bang-on.
Leslie (Andrea Riseborough) is an alcoholic mom who wins $190,000 in the lottery but soon blows it in bad investments and having fun. She abandons her 13-year-old son, James (Owen Teague), leaving him to her sister, Nancy (Allison Janney), and Nancy's biker boyfriend, Dutch (Stephen Root). Six years later, after striking out with her now-19-year-old son in the city, she returns to the small Texas town where she grew up, won the lottery, and alienated her family and friends.
Through happenstance, she ends ups at a low-brow, non-chain motel owned by Royal (Andre Royo), a burned-out druggie. Royal's partner, Sweeney (Marc Maron), runs the motel and has his own hard experience with alcoholic women. Recognizing Leslie's situation, he offers her a job as a maid. The film follows Leslie's struggle to make this work and whether she has the stamina to stay in the town and face the consequences.
"To Leslie" was an independent film made for less than $1 million; by November 2022, it had taken in under $30,000. Nonetheless, it has created a lot of buzz. Andrea Riseborough gives a truly remarkable performance as a manipulative alcoholic woman, burdened by her failures and trying to find the will to survive. Marc Maron provides empathy and second/third/fourth chance. The mostly country music that accompanies the film is excellent. Only the ending is less than bang-on.
The Loser
jack_o_hasanov_imdb5 March 2023
As a movie, it wasn't bad. It was a movie with a heavy south American accent and music. Andrea Riseborough did an excellent acting performance. I also watched the other best female Oscar nominees. I think Andrea Riseborough is the best and deserved. She probably won't win, and someone else will win by political decision. But I would love for her to win. Because she was very, very good, she was perfect. The movie is inspired by real events. There was probably someone who just won the lottery and spent it on alcohols and drugs. It is such a life that it is very difficult to start over. Maybe that's how they ended the movie so that it would be dramatic. Frankly, I thought Leslie would die alone at the end of the movie, but they ended up positive. Well, it wasn't a bad movie, but Andrea Riseborough did it perfectly.
Not Good Enough
PennyReviews16 March 2023
"To Leslie" is a story about an alchoholic woman who has ruined her life for more than just once.
Nominated for an Oscar, the movie's highlight is the main lead's performance. The actress does a great job portraying an unlikable and frustrating character that has found herself in a situation from where she can't and isn't willing to get out.
However, dispite the performance, the story is pretty basic indi movie drama that offers few surprises and follows the predictable pattern. The story isn't an overall letdown, but it isn't something one can recall and talk about after watching.
The rest of the casty does a good job with their performances as well.
Nominated for an Oscar, the movie's highlight is the main lead's performance. The actress does a great job portraying an unlikable and frustrating character that has found herself in a situation from where she can't and isn't willing to get out.
However, dispite the performance, the story is pretty basic indi movie drama that offers few surprises and follows the predictable pattern. The story isn't an overall letdown, but it isn't something one can recall and talk about after watching.
The rest of the casty does a good job with their performances as well.
Stunning performance by Ms Riseborough
finneypollard3 February 2024
Good film, a little disjointed, plodding at times, and a tough, dark story. The lottery win was presented in snippets throughout the film, which was a little frustrating (kept wondering if I had blinked and missed something until at least halfway through). I lived all over Texas for twenty years, and I do feel they captured the West Texas vibe well, although the location overall was less important than the story itself. Wardrobe was also perfect. Film a solid 7/10.
But here's the thing: Andrea Riseborough's performance was truly the best I have ever, ever seen. Absolutely 10/10. I'm a grownup (and then some), and I've watched movies for decades and decades. This woman was phenomenal. I have not seen the other nominee's films, but (no offense, y'all) I can't imagine how anybody else could have been any better.
I watched the entire thing mainly because of the exceptional acting by Ms R, as the movie itself unfortunately didn't grab me as much as I'd hoped.
Quirky film, but, damn, the lead actress was phenomenal. Glad I hung in until the finish.
Beautiful job by Andrea Riseborough.
But here's the thing: Andrea Riseborough's performance was truly the best I have ever, ever seen. Absolutely 10/10. I'm a grownup (and then some), and I've watched movies for decades and decades. This woman was phenomenal. I have not seen the other nominee's films, but (no offense, y'all) I can't imagine how anybody else could have been any better.
I watched the entire thing mainly because of the exceptional acting by Ms R, as the movie itself unfortunately didn't grab me as much as I'd hoped.
Quirky film, but, damn, the lead actress was phenomenal. Glad I hung in until the finish.
Beautiful job by Andrea Riseborough.
Traditional Tale, Well-Acted
TanakaK7 June 2023
This indy film is, contrary to its description, not really about a lottery winner blowing-out. It's a much more human and traditional tale about one woman's painful physical and social recovery from addiction (alcoholism, in this case) in west Texas. The casting is tight and the scenes tend to be spare. But the acting is top-notch and the editing becomes an unseen character in telling the story well. The best films of this genre are those that draw you in so deeply that you find yourself screaming "Don't do it! Drop that drink and run away!". "To Leslie" brought me to that point several times.
"To Leslie" is certainly worth a viewing. Just don't expect to see anything new if you're a cinemaphile.
"To Leslie" is certainly worth a viewing. Just don't expect to see anything new if you're a cinemaphile.
Leslie is More
mdstudio-754256 June 2023
Undoubtedly at this point in your experience as a cineaste, you've been served a heaping dollop of films about addiction, most of which were likely cliche ridden and heavy handed. Chances are that upon reading the storyline for this film you will be struck by the sensation that this subject matter is something that you've seen before and don't need to delve into yet again. However, those tales did not feature the formidable talents of Andrea Riseborough along with a similarly impressive cast and crew. If you've ever had a friend or family member that was an alcoholic, her performance will make you cringe with recognition as does the social circle that surrounds her, alternating between exasperation, empathy and the often futile effort to resolve the attendant truckloads of problems that plague everyone involved. Although a return to sobriety is not always in the cards, shreds of hope remain and even the stark and lonely landscapes of small town America may ultimately hold a promise of redemption.
Powerful and inspirational
davebuttomer13 November 2022
As an addict myself, both with booze and gambling, I can relate to the disappointments in life, which are in many instances brought on by one's self. Ultimately, you pray for help, and sometimes when said help is right in front of you, the poisons cloud your scenery and vision. Hope, belief, strength, and support from others are ultimately critical. Anyway, this movie brought forth such talented actors, a wonderful and meaningful script, and even when I hit pause to have a quick smoke, I debated that smoke. I have nothing negative to say about this film. Definitely a must see, and one which you just might remember for quite some time. Loved this film beyond measure.
Riseborough shines in an otherwise forgettable drama
eddie_baggins28 February 2023
With a worldwide gross of under $30,000 in its limited theatrical run in the second half of 2022, there weren't too many bigger surprises when this years Oscar nominations were read out when actress Andrea Riseborough found herself competing with a highly fancied field in the Best Actress category from the little film many had never heard of, To Leslie.
Inspired by true events, this Marc Maron starring and produced feature from first time director Michael Morris (making a name for himself in the TV directing landscape over the last few years) is far from noteworthy in many of its aspects but it's hard to deny that Riseborough rises too the occasion here as the recognisable and talented performer gets her best chance yet to showcase her acting prowess in a turn that led many of Hollywood's elite to proclaim her performance to be amongst the best they had seen in recent times, causing the Academy to investigate if all was above board with Riseborough's nomination.
Following a familiar pattern of down on their luck no-hoper trying to turn their life around and at the same time reconnect with family they had long ago lost, To Leslie provides nothing revelatory in a narrative sense as Riseborough's one time lottery winner turned alcoholic wanderer Leslie finds herself back in her old stomping ground without a penny to her name and only a new $7 an hour job at a lacklustre hotel to keep her afloat but throughout Morris's depressing country song like tale with glimmers of hope Riseborough is a force to be reckoned with as a lost soul desperate to prove she has what it takes to beat her illness.
So good for the better part of a decade with parts in the likes of Oblivion, Birdman, Never Let Me Go and The Death of Stalin, Riseborough has had to wait for this moment to finally get a chance to hog the spotlight and its not hard to see why her peers have got around her in a big way here with the actress stripped of anything that could considered a luxury as she strips herself right back to bring Leslie to life in what is a transformative inhabiting of a character that makes sure the actress has morphed into her role here.
With some amiable supporting turns from the likes of Maron, Owen Teague as Leslie's estranged son James and The Wire legend Andre Royo as fellow hotel worker Royal, not much else within To Leslie is worth writing home about and there aren't many narrative surprises that take our breath away throughout the films two hour runtime but for Riseborough alone, To Leslie is worth seeking out.
Final Say -
Not an outstanding film judge overall, To Leslie does harbour a memorable and committed central performance from Andrea Riseborough who gives the performance of a lifetime as a down on her luck struggler looking to give life one final shot at success.
3 pink suitcases out of 5
Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)
Inspired by true events, this Marc Maron starring and produced feature from first time director Michael Morris (making a name for himself in the TV directing landscape over the last few years) is far from noteworthy in many of its aspects but it's hard to deny that Riseborough rises too the occasion here as the recognisable and talented performer gets her best chance yet to showcase her acting prowess in a turn that led many of Hollywood's elite to proclaim her performance to be amongst the best they had seen in recent times, causing the Academy to investigate if all was above board with Riseborough's nomination.
Following a familiar pattern of down on their luck no-hoper trying to turn their life around and at the same time reconnect with family they had long ago lost, To Leslie provides nothing revelatory in a narrative sense as Riseborough's one time lottery winner turned alcoholic wanderer Leslie finds herself back in her old stomping ground without a penny to her name and only a new $7 an hour job at a lacklustre hotel to keep her afloat but throughout Morris's depressing country song like tale with glimmers of hope Riseborough is a force to be reckoned with as a lost soul desperate to prove she has what it takes to beat her illness.
So good for the better part of a decade with parts in the likes of Oblivion, Birdman, Never Let Me Go and The Death of Stalin, Riseborough has had to wait for this moment to finally get a chance to hog the spotlight and its not hard to see why her peers have got around her in a big way here with the actress stripped of anything that could considered a luxury as she strips herself right back to bring Leslie to life in what is a transformative inhabiting of a character that makes sure the actress has morphed into her role here.
With some amiable supporting turns from the likes of Maron, Owen Teague as Leslie's estranged son James and The Wire legend Andre Royo as fellow hotel worker Royal, not much else within To Leslie is worth writing home about and there aren't many narrative surprises that take our breath away throughout the films two hour runtime but for Riseborough alone, To Leslie is worth seeking out.
Final Say -
Not an outstanding film judge overall, To Leslie does harbour a memorable and committed central performance from Andrea Riseborough who gives the performance of a lifetime as a down on her luck struggler looking to give life one final shot at success.
3 pink suitcases out of 5
Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)
Riseborough is brilliant
Alexander_Blanchett17 January 2023
A rollercoaster of emotions with a tremendous performance by Andrea Riseborough. It really is one of the best performances of the year and will most liklely (but hopefully not) end up as one of the most underrated performances. I really liked the energy Riseborough pushed into her character. At first you would think she straight out overacts but this was just one facette of this very complicated but extremly natural character. She really was great and showed off all her acting strengths.
The rest of the cast was good too. We have Allison Janney in a smaller role who is okay but has one fantastic scene towards the ending.
I really loved Marc Maron. Not only becuase he had such a warm and sympahtic character, but also becuase he pulled it off so well and put so much heart into it. A great performance that deserves a shoutout.
Other than that there was not a single bad performance. Its a very good character study and thanks to a great direction really pulls all the strings that are needed. Surprisingly atmospheric too in a way, at least it felt like you can touch and feel that area it takes place and its characters.
The rest of the cast was good too. We have Allison Janney in a smaller role who is okay but has one fantastic scene towards the ending.
I really loved Marc Maron. Not only becuase he had such a warm and sympahtic character, but also becuase he pulled it off so well and put so much heart into it. A great performance that deserves a shoutout.
Other than that there was not a single bad performance. Its a very good character study and thanks to a great direction really pulls all the strings that are needed. Surprisingly atmospheric too in a way, at least it felt like you can touch and feel that area it takes place and its characters.
its not a...
ops-525356 October 2022
Film for the huge masses , and its not a film that will shake the fundations that your standing on, unless youre striving the same issues as the title role .its called a drama and that it is claims the grumpy old man, a real midwest redneck social dweller where the waterhole is the best nest in the west.
A story about a shortcircued woman that wins a high voltage lottery jolt, and becomes queen of the town, spending the money in a hurry, leaving a blasted home and family behind her in the mist of richness
the film really is aboutcollecting the strands of life, struggling the rip currents of normal life, until one day a lifeguard turns up and throws her a rescue buoy of decensy and naive trust, its just a matter of eating the bait of salvation or still ride the wagon of alcoholistic dulldrums.
Its a low cosot production with average standards aall over, its a bit slow and drawn plotwise, but the acting is good and most of all feels realistic from start to end. The preface of this story deserve a film itself, so some ima yoginatio youull have to spend. But good sociaalrealism it is, the main carater really feeds your curiosity and wwill hang on tp you till the end. A 7 with a recommend.
A story about a shortcircued woman that wins a high voltage lottery jolt, and becomes queen of the town, spending the money in a hurry, leaving a blasted home and family behind her in the mist of richness
the film really is aboutcollecting the strands of life, struggling the rip currents of normal life, until one day a lifeguard turns up and throws her a rescue buoy of decensy and naive trust, its just a matter of eating the bait of salvation or still ride the wagon of alcoholistic dulldrums.
Its a low cosot production with average standards aall over, its a bit slow and drawn plotwise, but the acting is good and most of all feels realistic from start to end. The preface of this story deserve a film itself, so some ima yoginatio youull have to spend. But good sociaalrealism it is, the main carater really feeds your curiosity and wwill hang on tp you till the end. A 7 with a recommend.
Awesome Andrea
ferguson-619 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
SXSW 2022
Greetings again from the darkness. We have all heard the stories of lottery winners who blow the entire pot and end up back where they started, or sometimes even worse off. There is also no shortage of stories where alcoholism ruins lives and relationships. Director Michael Morris' first feature film combines the two elements in a script by Ryan Binaco, who based the lead character on his own mother. The two men have done their work well and, in a way, win their own lottery by having cast Andrea Riseborough in the lead. Ms. Riseborough has long been labeled underrated, but I believe the more accurate label is underappreciated.
Small town Texan Leslie (Riseborough) is seen celebrating her $190,000 lottery win by lifting the giant check for TV cameras. She admits to picking her son's birthday as the winning number and says her plan is to buy a house and open a diner ... right after she buys the first round at the local bar. We then flash forward six years to find Leslie homeless, having just been evicted from a fleabag motel. Toting her pink suitcase, she is forced to trace her steps back to the bridges still smoldering from her past actions. She tracks down her son James (Owen Teague, IT), whom she abandoned years ago.
Of course it doesn't take long for Leslie to break James' one house rule of 'no drinking', and soon he is shipping her back to their hometown to stay with the friends who raised James. Nancy (Oscar winner Allison Janney) and Dutch (Stephen Root) are a biker couple still upset with Leslie's actions from years ago, but willing to give her a roof over her head. Leslie is a master of saying the right thing, but never doing the right thing. She can sweet talk anyone who might buy her next drink, but her history is one of burning bridges and leaving a wake of shattered emotions.
Leslie is an uncontrollable alcoholic and she's self-destructive, but not in a LEAVING LAS VEGAS way. We sense that in her lucid moments ... when she's not screaming at someone or flirting for a drink ... that she does want to be a better person and live a better life. It takes local motel manager Sweeney (Marc Maron) to give her a real shot at cleaning up. Literally cleaning up, as she's hired to clean the motel rooms. Sweeney's patience with Leslie stems from his past, and it's as painful to watch his efforts as it is to watch Leslie's swings. Andrea Riseborough delivers a raw and riveting performance - one worthy of awards consideration. She captivates us with an emotional and physical performance. Director Michael Morris has directed some terrific TV episodes for shows like "Better Call Saul", "Bloodline", "Animal Kingdom", and "House of Cards", and this film leaves us with hope that the support of one person can make a difference for someone in desperate need of help.
Small town Texan Leslie (Riseborough) is seen celebrating her $190,000 lottery win by lifting the giant check for TV cameras. She admits to picking her son's birthday as the winning number and says her plan is to buy a house and open a diner ... right after she buys the first round at the local bar. We then flash forward six years to find Leslie homeless, having just been evicted from a fleabag motel. Toting her pink suitcase, she is forced to trace her steps back to the bridges still smoldering from her past actions. She tracks down her son James (Owen Teague, IT), whom she abandoned years ago.
Of course it doesn't take long for Leslie to break James' one house rule of 'no drinking', and soon he is shipping her back to their hometown to stay with the friends who raised James. Nancy (Oscar winner Allison Janney) and Dutch (Stephen Root) are a biker couple still upset with Leslie's actions from years ago, but willing to give her a roof over her head. Leslie is a master of saying the right thing, but never doing the right thing. She can sweet talk anyone who might buy her next drink, but her history is one of burning bridges and leaving a wake of shattered emotions.
Leslie is an uncontrollable alcoholic and she's self-destructive, but not in a LEAVING LAS VEGAS way. We sense that in her lucid moments ... when she's not screaming at someone or flirting for a drink ... that she does want to be a better person and live a better life. It takes local motel manager Sweeney (Marc Maron) to give her a real shot at cleaning up. Literally cleaning up, as she's hired to clean the motel rooms. Sweeney's patience with Leslie stems from his past, and it's as painful to watch his efforts as it is to watch Leslie's swings. Andrea Riseborough delivers a raw and riveting performance - one worthy of awards consideration. She captivates us with an emotional and physical performance. Director Michael Morris has directed some terrific TV episodes for shows like "Better Call Saul", "Bloodline", "Animal Kingdom", and "House of Cards", and this film leaves us with hope that the support of one person can make a difference for someone in desperate need of help.
A too flattering depiction of forgiveness
nehpetstephen18 October 2022
I very quickly realized that this movie would be "Sean Baker-lite," and my hypothesis proved correct. Just like Quentin Tarantino spawned a lot of pale imitators in the late 90s, TO LESLIE seems to be a naturalistic take on American poverty riding on the success of superior films like THE FLORIDA PROJECT, TANGERINE, and RED ROCKET. But what exactly does it mean to be "Sean Baker-lite," I wonder? Why are his films searing and powerful while this above average movie simply seems predictable and at times boring?
I don't think it has to do with the casting. My first thought was that casting a classically trained British actress, an Oscar-winning A-lister, a Jersey Jew, and, for lack of a better word, Stephen Root as a bunch of small town Texans was part of the problem--and perhaps it is--but I don't think "authentic local casting" is a necessity or a solution. The fantastic LEAN ON PETE grippingly tackled similar themes despite starring many recognizable non-rural faces like Steve Buscemi, while the extremely similar film LEAVE NO TRACE seemed "less real" to me despite having a supporting cast rounded out by local non-actors. And I'm still not sure why Chloé Zhao's THE RIDER, which has no actors at all, feels "staged" to me while her film NOMADLAND, which plops a Method-acting Frances McDormand in the midst of a bunch of real people who don't realize she's an actress, is a masterpiece. Whatever the case may be for why To Leslie falls short of these other films, casting doesn't seem to be the problem.
I think perhaps the real fault lies in the moral compass of this film. Don't get me wrong--I'm happy to see that this film makes a case for forgiveness, redemption, and the ultimate patient goodness of some people. But it also plunges into that thesis in a very clean and obvious way. Within ten minutes of this (overlong) movie, you'll know pretty much everything that's going to happen; when I first saw Marc Maron on screen, I had almost crystal ball clarity of every remaining scene in the film. Andrea Riseborough's acting as the titular Leslie is wonderful, but her character is a little too pitiable and not quite nasty enough. Even before the opening credit sequence is over, you've seen her with a black eye presumably given to her by a handsome man (an outcome which is repeated yet again very early in the plot). We see her suffering the consequences of her actions from the very beginning, and although she commits some misdeeds on camera out of desperation, we never see her do anything truly unlikeable. Our sympathies are always with her. There's very little revulsion to overcome. Thus, it seems a foregone conclusion that the movie will find a happy ending for her, and it seems to easy to see the actions of characters like the one played by Stephen Root as cruel and unproductive. The film has shades of gray, for sure, but the characterization seems far simpler than the rampant ugliness sometimes on display Bria Vinaite in The Florida Project, Simon Rex in Red Rocket, or Mya Taylor in Tangerine.
In order for a film about forgiveness and redemption to work, I guess, we also have to be in a position where we need to understand and accept something unlikeable about the character. To Leslie is far too sympathetic to its protagonist for this story arc to ultimately be effective, which is a shame given that the story hinges around a truly horrible thing that she did in the past but which we never see. When this horrible act is confronted in the climax of the film, the movie comes close to achieving its goals, but the choice to never fully display the flaws of her character on screen in a way that might actually make us condemn her results in a story in which it's far too easy for us to forgive her. And perhaps that moral simplicity is what makes this "Sean Baker-lite."
This is a decent film, and the solid acting and uplifting story make it worth the watch. It never quite rises to the level of being a great film, however.
I don't think it has to do with the casting. My first thought was that casting a classically trained British actress, an Oscar-winning A-lister, a Jersey Jew, and, for lack of a better word, Stephen Root as a bunch of small town Texans was part of the problem--and perhaps it is--but I don't think "authentic local casting" is a necessity or a solution. The fantastic LEAN ON PETE grippingly tackled similar themes despite starring many recognizable non-rural faces like Steve Buscemi, while the extremely similar film LEAVE NO TRACE seemed "less real" to me despite having a supporting cast rounded out by local non-actors. And I'm still not sure why Chloé Zhao's THE RIDER, which has no actors at all, feels "staged" to me while her film NOMADLAND, which plops a Method-acting Frances McDormand in the midst of a bunch of real people who don't realize she's an actress, is a masterpiece. Whatever the case may be for why To Leslie falls short of these other films, casting doesn't seem to be the problem.
I think perhaps the real fault lies in the moral compass of this film. Don't get me wrong--I'm happy to see that this film makes a case for forgiveness, redemption, and the ultimate patient goodness of some people. But it also plunges into that thesis in a very clean and obvious way. Within ten minutes of this (overlong) movie, you'll know pretty much everything that's going to happen; when I first saw Marc Maron on screen, I had almost crystal ball clarity of every remaining scene in the film. Andrea Riseborough's acting as the titular Leslie is wonderful, but her character is a little too pitiable and not quite nasty enough. Even before the opening credit sequence is over, you've seen her with a black eye presumably given to her by a handsome man (an outcome which is repeated yet again very early in the plot). We see her suffering the consequences of her actions from the very beginning, and although she commits some misdeeds on camera out of desperation, we never see her do anything truly unlikeable. Our sympathies are always with her. There's very little revulsion to overcome. Thus, it seems a foregone conclusion that the movie will find a happy ending for her, and it seems to easy to see the actions of characters like the one played by Stephen Root as cruel and unproductive. The film has shades of gray, for sure, but the characterization seems far simpler than the rampant ugliness sometimes on display Bria Vinaite in The Florida Project, Simon Rex in Red Rocket, or Mya Taylor in Tangerine.
In order for a film about forgiveness and redemption to work, I guess, we also have to be in a position where we need to understand and accept something unlikeable about the character. To Leslie is far too sympathetic to its protagonist for this story arc to ultimately be effective, which is a shame given that the story hinges around a truly horrible thing that she did in the past but which we never see. When this horrible act is confronted in the climax of the film, the movie comes close to achieving its goals, but the choice to never fully display the flaws of her character on screen in a way that might actually make us condemn her results in a story in which it's far too easy for us to forgive her. And perhaps that moral simplicity is what makes this "Sean Baker-lite."
This is a decent film, and the solid acting and uplifting story make it worth the watch. It never quite rises to the level of being a great film, however.
Riches to rags through alcohol.
ian-blair22 July 2023
Was disappointed with this movie after expecting it to be good judging by its high rating. It's a very typical story of a riches to rags alcoholic. Who recovers her sobriety aided and abetted by her fairy godmother Sweeney, who in all honesty seems to good to be true.
I've seen many of these type of films over the years most of them drivel and this one is no different.
It's overly long but small on content, I would have liked to see more of her spending spree and the enjoyment she must have had in blowing her 190,000 dollars.
One of the characters has psychological problems brought about by using led. Much was made by his partner about him running round the fields naked. As further confirmation of this they created a scene of him running around the field naked....... Only he had his underwear on. Surely they could have done it naked the camera was 100 meters away. For my money this just magnifies how lame this movie is.
I've seen many of these type of films over the years most of them drivel and this one is no different.
It's overly long but small on content, I would have liked to see more of her spending spree and the enjoyment she must have had in blowing her 190,000 dollars.
One of the characters has psychological problems brought about by using led. Much was made by his partner about him running round the fields naked. As further confirmation of this they created a scene of him running around the field naked....... Only he had his underwear on. Surely they could have done it naked the camera was 100 meters away. For my money this just magnifies how lame this movie is.
Strong, Subtle Performances and Direction
bankofmarquis2 March 2023
Andrea Risborough is not a household name as an Actress, though every time she has been involved in a film project, she was been a mark of quality - and with her first Oscar Nomination in the small, independent, "Based on True Events" film, TO LESLIE, perhaps Risborough will have greater opportunity to show those talents to more people.
Risborough shines in TO LESLIE as the titular character, a small town Texas girl who wins big in the lottery a few years before and returns to that small Texas town years later, broke, defeated, drunk and with a long list of amends to make. It is an extremely watchable performance by Risborough who draws the audience into the inner turmoil of Leslie while bringing enough nuance to the early-in-the-film portrayal of the drunk, out-of-control Leslie to keep the character interesting without breaking into caricature. This is a strong actress sinking her teeth into a meaty role and Risborough's Oscar Nomination is well deserved.
While this film is Risborough's from start to finish, she is ably assisted by other performers who match her energy on the screen so there is always something interesting to watch. Stephen Root (BARRY) and Oscar Winner Allison Janey (I, TONYA) bring Independent Film starpower to their small-ish (but powerful) roles as does Owen Teague (Stephen King's IT) and Andre Royal (Bubbles in THE WIRE). But the biggest surprise to me was the nuanced, layered work of Podcaster Marc Maron who becomes a force in Leslie's life. His performance was strong enough that it would have been fine if he was nominated for an Oscar as well.
Credit for all of this has to go with Screenwriter Ryan Binaco (PANDEMIC) and first time feature film Director Michael Morris (who has Directed many episodes of the fine TV Series BETTER CALL SAUL). Binaco writes characters that seem real and react in realistic, subtle ways and Morris, wisely, leans into that realism and let's the characters control the flow of the scenes - and the energy of the film - while ensuring that the pacing continues at a pace that keeps the film from bogging down.
Congrats to Ms. Risborough for her Oscar Nomination for this film - this nomination did what it needed to do - put a spotlight on this small, independent film and the strong Writing, Direction and Performances found within.
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 Stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Risborough shines in TO LESLIE as the titular character, a small town Texas girl who wins big in the lottery a few years before and returns to that small Texas town years later, broke, defeated, drunk and with a long list of amends to make. It is an extremely watchable performance by Risborough who draws the audience into the inner turmoil of Leslie while bringing enough nuance to the early-in-the-film portrayal of the drunk, out-of-control Leslie to keep the character interesting without breaking into caricature. This is a strong actress sinking her teeth into a meaty role and Risborough's Oscar Nomination is well deserved.
While this film is Risborough's from start to finish, she is ably assisted by other performers who match her energy on the screen so there is always something interesting to watch. Stephen Root (BARRY) and Oscar Winner Allison Janey (I, TONYA) bring Independent Film starpower to their small-ish (but powerful) roles as does Owen Teague (Stephen King's IT) and Andre Royal (Bubbles in THE WIRE). But the biggest surprise to me was the nuanced, layered work of Podcaster Marc Maron who becomes a force in Leslie's life. His performance was strong enough that it would have been fine if he was nominated for an Oscar as well.
Credit for all of this has to go with Screenwriter Ryan Binaco (PANDEMIC) and first time feature film Director Michael Morris (who has Directed many episodes of the fine TV Series BETTER CALL SAUL). Binaco writes characters that seem real and react in realistic, subtle ways and Morris, wisely, leans into that realism and let's the characters control the flow of the scenes - and the energy of the film - while ensuring that the pacing continues at a pace that keeps the film from bogging down.
Congrats to Ms. Risborough for her Oscar Nomination for this film - this nomination did what it needed to do - put a spotlight on this small, independent film and the strong Writing, Direction and Performances found within.
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 Stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
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