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In Michael Morris’ feature directorial debut, To Leslie, Andrea Riseborough stars as a woman living in West Texas who wins the lottery but quickly spirals into a pattern of addiction. While most in her hometown shun her, Sweeney (Marc Maron), a hotel clerk, gives her a fresh chance to prove herself despite multiple indications that she won’t be able to do it.
I had the chance to speak with Riseborough, who recently earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her performance, and Morris about collaborating on this affecting film and particularly how they see Leslie as a character.
You can watch the video above, and read below for an official summary and where to watch.
Film summary:
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.
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To Leslie is available to watch on VOD.