To Leslie 2022
Directed by
Michael Morris
Made by
Momentum Pictures
Plot Summary
Leslie, a troubled and manipulative alcoholic from West Texas, hit the jackpot when she won $190,000 in a local lottery. Unfortunately, her poor choices soon led her to squander this fortune on liquor and drugs. Fast forward six years, and Leslie has found herself destitute, drifting through motels and living on the streets.
After being kicked out of a residential motel, she attempts to reconnect with her estranged twenty-year-old son, James, who reluctantly offers her shelter under the condition that she refrains from drinking. However, old habits die hard, and Leslie quickly falls into her old ways, stealing money from James’s roommate, Darren. Her deceitful behavior is soon uncovered when James discovers bottles of liquor hidden under her bed, prompting him to reach out to his grandmother, Nancy, for help.
Nancy and her boyfriend, Dutch, begrudgingly allow Leslie to stay with them, only to lock her out one night when they learn she had been spotted at a local bar. With nowhere to go, Leslie ends up sleeping outdoors and is discovered by Sweeney, one of the motel’s proprietors. Despite initially kicking her out, Sweeney decides to give Leslie a lifeline by offering her a job cleaning rooms, along with a small wage and a place to stay.
The road to redemption is not easy for Leslie, as she continues to struggle with punctuality and spends her earnings on alcohol while frequently visiting bars. In a moment of desperation, Leslie drunkenly stumbles to her old family home, startling the new residents. This leads to a call to Sweeney, who once again rescues her.
As Sweeney becomes a source of support, a friendship blossoms between them, rooted in their shared understanding of addiction. They bond further at a local fair, where Leslie faces the harsh truths of her past, especially during a confrontation with Nancy, who criticizes her for leaving James when he was a child.
In a moment that showcases her struggle, Leslie calls James from a laundromat, leaving a heartfelt message of love, only to later visit a bar, tempted by a young man but ultimately deciding against drinking. Leslie eventually squats in an abandoned ice cream shop, where she shares her desire to renovate the place with Sweeney.
Fast forward ten months, and Leslie, with the help of Sweeney and Royal, has transformed the ice cream shop into a diner. However, opening day proves to be slow, with no customers showing up. A surprise visit from Nancy sheds light on their tumultuous relationship, as Leslie accuses her mother of sabotaging the diner’s success. Yet, Nancy takes a step forward by apologizing for her emotional absence throughout Leslie’s life and brings James along, leading to a poignant reunion where the family can finally start to mend their broken ties.
Timeline
Leslie Wins the Lottery
Leslie, a troubled alcoholic living in West Texas, experiences a sudden change in her fortune when she wins $190,000 in a local lottery. This newfound wealth quickly becomes a double-edged sword as her poor decisions begin to unravel her life.
Leslie Squanders Her Fortune
In a few short years, Leslie finds herself squandering her lottery winnings on liquor and drugs. The allure of alcohol and addiction outweighs any hope for stability, leading her down a path of destruction.
A Life of Desperation
Fast forward six years, Leslie's life has drastically changed; she now finds herself homeless, drifting between motels and the streets. This downfall illustrates the devastating impact of addiction on her life.
Attempt to Reconnect with James
After being kicked out of a residential motel, Leslie tries to reconnect with her estranged son, James. He reluctantly offers her shelter but sets strict rules in place, particularly prohibiting alcohol in his home.
Leslie Relapses
Despite her efforts to stay sober, Leslie quickly succumbs to her old habits. She resorts to stealing money from James's roommate, Darren, showcasing the deep-seated issues she struggles to overcome.
James Discovers the Truth
James discovers hidden bottles of liquor under Leslie's bed, leading him to confront her about her dishonesty. This revelation causes him to reach out to his grandmother, Nancy, in search of assistance.
Seeking Shelter with Nancy
Leslie moves in with her mother, Nancy, and her boyfriend, Dutch, but their hospitality is short-lived. Nancy locks Leslie out after learning she had been drinking, leading her back to the streets.
Sweeney Offers a Lifeline
After being kicked out, Leslie is found by Sweeney, the motel's proprietor. He offers her a job cleaning rooms and provides a place to stay, giving her a much-needed second chance.
Struggles on the Road to Redemption
Leslie's journey to recovery is fraught with challenges as she struggles with punctuality and often spends her earnings on alcohol. Her visits to bars represent the ongoing battle against her addiction.
Drunken Stumble to the Past
In a moment of desperation, Leslie drunkenly returns to her old family home, alarming its new residents. This act prompts Sweeney to intervene once more, showcasing his growing concern for her well-being.
A Blossoming Friendship with Sweeney
As Leslie continues to struggle, a friendship develops between her and Sweeney, rooted in their shared understanding of addiction. They support each other through their respective challenges.
Confrontation at the Local Fair
At a local fair, Leslie confronts her past as she faces Nancy’s criticisms for abandoning James during his childhood. This encounter forces Leslie to confront her painful history and the impact of her choices.
Heartfelt Message to James
Leslie leaves a heartfelt voicemail for James from a laundromat, expressing her love and sorrow for the past. However, she is soon tempted back to drinking as she considers visiting a bar.
Squatting in the Ice Cream Shop
Leslie finds temporary refuge in an abandoned ice cream shop, telling Sweeney about her dream to renovate the space. This desire symbolizes her hope of a new beginning and creative outlet.
Opening Day of the Diner
Ten months later, with Sweeney's support, Leslie successfully transforms the ice cream shop into a diner. On opening day, however, she faces disappointment with the lack of customers, leading to a surprising visit from Nancy.
Reunion and Healing
In a poignant moment, Nancy visits Leslie at the diner, leading to a heartfelt reunion between mother and daughter. As Nancy apologizes for her absence, they begin to mend their fractured relationship, bringing James into the fold.
Characters
Leslie (Andrea Riseborough)
Leslie is a troubled, manipulative alcoholic whose poor choices have led her to a life of despair. Despite her struggles, she shows glimpses of vulnerability and a desire for redemption. Throughout the film, Leslie wrestles with her addiction and the consequences it has on her relationship with her son and estranged family.
James (Owen Teague)
James is Leslie's estranged twenty-year-old son, who finds himself torn between supporting his mother and protecting himself from her manipulative behavior. He navigates the emotional turmoil of wanting a relationship but fearing the repercussions of his mother's addiction. His journey showcases the challenges children face when dealing with a parent's substance abuse.
Nancy (Allison Janney)
Nancy is Leslie's mother, who has her own struggles with the family's tumultuous history. She grapples with feelings of resentment towards Leslie for abandoning her responsibilities as a mother. Throughout the film, Nancy gradually transforms, recognizing her role in their strained relationship and seeking to reconnect with both Leslie and James.
Sweeney
Sweeney is the motel proprietor who becomes Leslie's unexpected ally. Initially dismissive of her problems, he offers her a lifeline by providing her with a job and a place to stay. Their relationship showcases the power of understanding and support in the face of addiction, as Sweeney helps Leslie find a way to confront her demons.
Setting
Time period
Contemporary
The movie takes place in modern times, highlighting contemporary issues such as addiction, family estrangement, and redemption. This period emphasizes the struggles many face in society today, especially those battling addiction and seeking reconciliation with loved ones. The timeline of the story unfolds over several years, showcasing the long-term effects of choices made during a turbulent life.
Location
West Texas
West Texas is known for its vast deserts, small towns, and an array of motels catering to weary travelers. This region embodies the struggles of its residents, where many face hardships, and survival often depends on community connections. The atmosphere is a blend of desolate beauty and stark realities, reflecting the challenges faced by those like Leslie.
Themes
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Addiction
Addiction serves as a central theme, deeply influencing Leslie's relationships and decisions. The film portrays the cycle of addiction, highlighting the struggle to overcome it and the impact it has on families. Leslie's journey through relapse and recovery reflects the painful but hopeful quest for redemption.
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Family
The theme of family illustrates the complexities of love, estrangement, and reconciliation. Leslie's attempts to reconnect with her son, James, amid her struggles depict the lasting effects of her choices on family dynamics. The eventual reunion offers a glimmer of hope, underscoring the importance of forgiveness and understanding.
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Redemption
Redemption is a poignant theme, with Leslie's journey illustrating the possibility of change and hope. Her efforts to rebuild her life and mend fractured relationships reveal the challenges of seeking forgiveness. The film suggests that acknowledging one's past can lead to a brighter future, as seen through her evolution and growth over time.
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