In the wake of the killing, his teacher in prison tries to understand the senseless crime, while the families of the victim and the perpetrator struggle to cope with the aftermath.

The film begins with a flashback narrated by Leland P. Fitzgerald, describing how he could not remember the details of the day that he killed an intellectually disabled boy named Ryan Pollard.

While in juvenile hall, Leland is schooled by teacher Pearl Madison, an aspiring writer who is searching for his breakthrough story.

Through his discussions with Pearl, Leland reveals childhood memories such as his grandmother's funeral and traveling long distances to visit his father.

He had met her at a record store and began walking home with Ryan and her after school, with Becky and Leland growing to love each other.

The site's consensus reads that "The United States of Leland has its moments, but they're undermined by a muddled plot, unsympathetic characters, and frustratingly uneven performances.

[6] Writing for Variety, David Rooney wrote, "Laboring against characters that spout artificial, platitudinous dialogue, the cast invites little sympathy.

Gosling’s one-note, blankly disturbed act has none of the magnetic edge of his breakthrough work in 'The Believer,' while the intriguing ambiguity of Cheadle’s character could have been far more interestingly explored.

"[7] Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly called the film "yet another joylessly trendy indie portrait of the dark side of suburbia.