Pros: This film has a truly real feel, despite some plot gaps, but it is authentic. You feel like you're in that gritty, roadside motel rather than a Hollywood lot which is also great to have. The performances are also solid, if a bit stereotyped from the alcoholic titular Leslie (Andrea Riseborough, Oscar-nominated) to the too kind manager, Sweeney (Marc Maron) to the diversity character, portrayed as being slightly mentally disturbed Royal (Andre Royo). Still, at least there were feelings and motivations behind the characters.
Cons: Sure, I mean I suppose it's typical for lottery winners to blow their money and end up in poverty, but I doubt any of them had such a large downfall as Leslie, basically homeless and she abandons her beloved son. And while she is judged horribly for it, especially by Nancy, her nasty sister-in-law (Allison Janney), they seem to forget that it appears Leslie tried to help everyone and spread her winnings too thin. And it's clear that they know Leslie has a drinking problem but no one ever offers to take her to rehab (though I doubt they'd have the funds) or even an AA meeting, which is just bizarre to me. Besides, Nancy has her own drinking problems.
Recommend: Honestly, unsure
Grade: B
Side Notes:
-Owen Teague continues to deliver great work as Leslie's son, disgusted that she constantly picks alcohol over him and livid that she stole money from his roommate for her dirty habit.
-It is shocking how quickly Leslie, Sweeney, and Royal get that diner up and running.
-Leslie's road to recovery is a bit of an odd one, but she does show a lot of willpower as she even orders alcohol at a bar and just stares at it. Despite everyone being against her recovery, save for Sweeney, she doesn't relapse.
-In the end, Leslie stops drinking for her son and though it takes a while, James does eventually re-enter her life.
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