Is the movie ‘To Leslie’ starring Andrea Riseborough based on a true story?

After watching the movie, audiences questioned whether Leslie’s story was based on true events. In the movie To Leslie, Andrea Riseborough plays Leslie Rowland, an alcoholic who is desperate to change her life. Prior to hitting theatres in October of that same year, the film had its world premiere in March 2022 at the South by Southwest Film Festival. To Leslie also stars Marc Maron, Andre Royo, Owen Teague, and Stephen Root, in addition to Riseborough. The movie was written by Ryan Binaco and directed by Michael Morris.

Critics have given the movie high praise, and Riseborough even received an Oscar nomination for To Leslie. However, when the credits began to roll, one couldn’t help but wonder if the movie was an account of real events. 

What is the movie ‘To Leslie’ about?

Leslie Rowlands, a dejected West Texas single mother, returns home six years after experiencing a life-altering incident, having spent every last penny of her lottery winnings on drugs and alcohol. But now that the money has run out, her enduring family has moved on, and her paltry group of acquaintances has dispersed.

Leslie tries to get in touch with James, her estranged 20-year-old son, as the incorrigible, lifelong heavy drinker teeters on the verge of complete ruin and faces living on the streets. The only person who can save Leslie is herself, though, as her mistakes mount and her alcoholism prevents a new beginning. Can the former alcoholic obtain one final opportunity to make amends for the wrongs of the past?

Is ‘To Leslie’ based on a true story?

Leslie earns $190,000 by playing the lottery at the start of To Leslie, but she swiftly blows it all on alcohol and drugs. The movie then fast-forwards by six years, showing Leslie going from motel to motel before relocating with her son James, who is now 19 years old, but James demands that she give up drinking. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t finish there. But after numerous relapses, Leslie eventually finds work at a motel and makes an effort to rebuild her life.

It’s simple to understand why many people think To Leslie’s story is based on actual events, given how raw and emotive it is. However, the events in To Leslie are only loosely based on a true story.

The late mother of To Leslie’s writer, Ryan Binaco, served as an inspiration. It’s crucial to remember that Leslie is not a true representation of Binaco’s mother. In To Leslie, she is a dramatized version created for the big screen.

“It’s written from the perspective of a child who watched their mother experience this very same thing. It’s as if Ryan has given his mother, who was from a very different place and background, a chance at redemption.”, claims actor Andrea Riseborough.

Is ‘To Leslie’ available to stream on Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, or Prime Video?

Yes. Beginning June 2023, viewers will be able to stream To Leslie on Netflix for many countries, including the USA. Please note that it’s possible that, depending on your location, it may or may not be available on Netflix for you, in which case, you can Buy/Rent it on VOD services like Amazon, VUDU, and iTunes.