To Leslie movie review

MOVIE TITLE: To Leslie

This dramatic movie was released in theaters and video on demand on October 7, 2022.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 59 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

Based on a true story, the moving film was directed by Michael Morris. The writer, Ryan Binaco, based the main character on his mother… The story is about a West Texas single mother who 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.

THINGS I LIKED:

The opening credits show photos while listening to a Dolly Parton song that definitely sounds like a cautionary warning.
Andrea Riseborough gives a stellar performance. The movie is a character study and she gives us much to consider. I’m hoping this is her break-out film. She also has a small role in the movie Amsterdam, currently in theaters.
The first name on the cast list that grabbed my attention was Allison Janney. I absolutely adore her and wish she had more screen time in this film. If you’re a fan too, you should definitely check out her performance in Lou, a movie now playing on Netflix.
Marc Maron also offers a powerful performance.
All of the characters seem very realistic, as well as the difficult life they lead.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some viewers will be VERY bored, waiting for something to “happen”.
Within seconds of Act 1, we see the protagonist win a bunch of money and then instantly see her living on the streets and being addicted to various drugs and bad choices. We don’t get to watch her downward spiral. She’s absolutely her own worst enemy.
The bad choices and behavior are endless. I couldn’t wait for this movie to end.
Ultimately, the movie is extremely depressing and difficult to watch. But it is very powerful and worth seeing for Andrea Riseborough’s exceptional performance.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will not be interested in this at all.
Profanity, including many, many F-bombs
Lots of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes
The protagonist is a TERRIBLE role model but a perfect example of what not to do as an illustration of the consequences of our choices and mindset.