Leslie (Andrea Riseborough) is a West Texas single mother struggling to provide for her son (Owen Teague) when she wins the lottery and a chance at a good life. But a few short years later the money is gone, and Leslie is on her own, living hard and fast at the bottom of a bottle as she runs from the world of heartbreak she left behind.
With her charm running out and with nowhere to go, Leslie is forced to return home to her former friends Nancy and Dutch (Allison Janney, Stephen Root). Unwelcome and unwanted by those she wronged, it’s a lonely motel clerk named Sweeney (Marc Maron) who takes a chance when no one else will. With his support, Leslie comes face to face with the consequences of her actions, a life of regret, and a second chance to make a good life for her and her son.
My Review
Riseborough gives a powerful and raw performance as Leslie, capturing her vulnerability and resilience. The film’s portrayal of addiction and recovery is unflinching and honest, and it does not shy away from showing the impact of alcoholism on both the individual and those around them. The film also delves into family dynamics and forgiveness issues, making for a poignant and emotionally resonant drama.
This isn’t an easy or uplifting film to take in. Watching this heartbreaking film can be a very emotional and intense experience. The film may make you feel a wide range of emotions, such as sadness, empathy, anger, and possibly even fear. You may become deeply invested in the characters and their struggles, feeling their pain as if it were your own. The film might also trigger personal memories and feelings, making it hard to separate the story on screen from reality.
Feel the feels
After watching this heartbreaking film, you may need some time to process the emotions it evoked, and you may find yourself thinking about the story and the characters long after the film has ended. It’s essential to remember that everyone has different emotional responses to movies and that it’s okay to feel whatever you feel. Some people may find it cathartic to watch a film that makes them cry, while others may prefer to avoid emotionally heavy movies.
I give this movie 3.5 Sober Stars (out of 5) because it’s not exactly a new storyline when we look at past films depicting alcoholism and addiction. I wish the film would have gotten to her recovery earlier on in the movie, so we could have seen more of Leslie’s life after putting the bottle down.
Oscar rumors
Just in the last few days, there is a swirl of articles around Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination. Like I mentioned above, this movie is good but not exactly a new storyline when it comes to depicting someone struggling with addiction. Do I think she did a phenomenal job acting like a person struggling with addiction? Yes, I do. Is it Oscar worthy? That thought never once crossed my mind while I was watching the film. Maybe because it’s a life I’ve already lived? IDK.
Here is a list of curated headlines in case you want to catch up on the dets:
- Why Andrea Riseborough’s ‘To Leslie’ Oscar campaign has people talking | CNN
- How to Watch Andrea Riseborough in To Leslie (yahoo.com)
- Andrea Riseborough Oscar Nomination Controversy Discussed by Voters – Variety
- How ‘To Leslie’ star Andrea Riseborough pulled off her upset Oscar nomination with the help of Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron and Kate Winslet (yahoo.com)
MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE SOBER CURATOR: Since you’re not binging on alcohol and drugs anymore, you’re going to need other activities to fill your time. This section brings you the movies and documentaries that The Sober Curator recommends.
Pop the popcorn, grab your fav alcohol-free bevies or make your favorite mocktail, dish out your favorite treats and sweets, and settle in for some good old-fashioned cinema entertainment. Need any ideas on what to drink? Head on over to our HAPPY EVERY HOUR section for our curated list of non-alcoholic beverage options.
Feeling like a good Netflix binge is more your style? THE MINDFUL BINGE will give you our list of TV series we’ve binged and are giving our two sober thumbs up on!
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
