317. To Leslie; movie review

 

TO LESLIE

Cert 15

119 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language, sexual threat, drug misuse

The promises, deceit and denial are all elements of alcoholism which we faced first-hand before Mrs W's sister tragically died more than 20 years ago.

In common with Andrea Riseborough's character, Leslie, she was an attractive, vibrant woman, often the centre of attention.

She was also funny... when she was sober.

To Leslie, accurately reflects how people think they are alluring and hilarious when they are drunk when they are probably neither.

Riseborough is very impressive in the lead role - a correctly unglamorous portrayal of a woman who refuses to accept what everyone else can see - that she is an addict.

Its first hour is made up of her returning to her home town and being given chances to straighten out a life which has gone completely off the rails since she won the lottery a few years previously.

For a short time, she was a local celebrity but pretty soon she became known for simply being drunk.

On the wrong end of her behaviour are her adult son (Owen Teague) and old friends who she exploits.

Some have empathy for her and make efforts to help her and some don't. The latter includes an old friend (Allison Janney) who she has wounded too often.

Meanwhile, Marc Maron plays a motel owner who sees something in her but over and over she lets him down.

Michael Morris's film is largely a downbeat movie because the life of an alcoholic is just that. 

My problem with it is its denouement. Given what has happened previously, it is far too neat and tidy.

To Leslie shows a side of America rarely seen on the big screen and, for that, and Riseborough's performance, it is noteworthy.

Reasons to watch: Andrea Riseborough's performance

Reasons to avoid: More than a tad repetitive

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? More than seven per cent of the American population aged 18 and above have a drinking problem. That amounts to nearly 13.8 million Americans - 8.1 million of them are alcoholics.

The final word. Andrea Riseborough: " I think the more you're candid and transparent about the reality of the vast number of people who are in a relationship with alcoholism in some way in their lives, the more you unearth how that feels, the better you feel—because we feel less alone." Parade

Share this post