To Leslie (2022)

TO LESLIE has garnered significant attention recently due to the phenomenal portrayal of the titular character by Andrea Riseborough. Her performance earned her a coveted Oscar nomination, and I firmly believe she deserves all the accolades she has received. Based on actual events, the film tells the story of Leslie, a single mother from West Texas who wins a lottery and quickly squanders it all on drugs and alcohol. Years later, she is homeless, estranged from her loved ones, and haunted by past mistakes. However, with the help of a kind-hearted motel owner named Sweeney (played by Marc Maron), she strives to rebuild her life and find redemption.

TO LESLIE is helmed by Michael Morris, who makes his directorial debut after producing the acclaimed Better Call Saul. The screenplay is penned by Ryan Binaco, who based it on his mother’s life, although the events are heavily fictionalised, and the character does not explicitly portray his mother. The movie is realistic and raw but also interspersed with moments of humour and hope.

But what truly sets this film apart is Riseborough’s exceptional acting. She completely embodies Leslie, a multifaceted and flawed character who can be charming, humorous, reckless, desperate, vulnerable, and heartrending. She portrays every aspect of Leslie’s personality and emotions with subtlety and nuance, making us care for her even when she makes grave mistakes. She elicits our sympathy even when all seems lost.

Riseborough is ably supported by a talented cast of actors who portray Leslie’s family and friends. Owen Teague plays James, Leslie’s son, who holds a deep-seated grudge against her for leaving him behind when he was young. Allison Janney and Stephen Root play Nancy and Dutch, two former friends who harbour mixed feelings about Leslie’s return. They all deliver commendable performances that add depth to the narrative.

TO LESLIE is not an easy film to watch. It tackles addiction, poverty, abuse, loneliness, guilt, and forgiveness. It does not avoid portraying the harsh realities of Leslie’s life or the consequences of her actions. It does not present facile solutions or fairy-tale endings. Nevertheless, it does not judge or condemn the characters. It portrays them as human beings who make mistakes and have dreams and aspirations.

TO LESLIE is a powerful drama that showcases Andrea Riseborough’s phenomenal talent as an actress. It is a poignant, bittersweet country ballad of a film that will tug at your heartstrings and make you reflect on the choices we make in life and the opportunities we have for redemption.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)