A One Mann’s Movies review of “Good Luck To You, Leo Grande” (2022).
“Good Luck To You Leo Grande” is almost a two-hander between national treasure Emma Thompson and the adonis-like* Daryl McCormack. But it is touching and a thoughtful take on the world’s oldest profession.
(* As described by the illustrious Mrs Movie Man!)
Bob the Movie Man Rating(s):
Plot Summary:
Ex-schoolteacher Nancy Stokes (Emma Thompson) has been widowed 2 years, slept with just one man in her life and has never had an orgasm. Against all her buttoned-up British instincts, she employs the services of sex-worker Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) to explore her sexuality.
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack, Isabella Laughland.
Directed by: Sophie Hyde.
Written by: Katy Brand.
Twitter Handles: #LeoGrandeFilm.
“Good Luck To You, Leo Grande” Review:
Positives:
- What a refreshing film to turn such a positive and non-judgemental focus on the valuable and positive work done by sex workers for those who genuinely need such services. Leo is painted as a caring, intelligent and professional person. He is as much an mental health counsellor and carer as a provider of intimate sexual services. Does it paint the profession with rose-coloured glasses? Very possibly. But you only have to wonder about the legions of middle-aged woman who see Nancy’s adventures in this film and are prompted to search the internet for similar assistance! If I was in the adult services business, I’d stand outside the screenings giving out business cards!
- I think that only women could have written and directed the movie. (Both Sophie Hyde and Katy Brand are in their mid-40’s by the way). And while much of the observational comedy might go right over the heads of a pre-menopausal audience, in my screening the gags hit many a funny-bone. (Not that *I* put my pyjamas back on straight afterwards, you understand?!)
- Emma Thompson is naturally brilliant. And given the nudity involved, it’s a brave performance. The final scene reflects a wonderfully open and refreshing age-appropriate antidote to the ‘perfect body’ nudity seen most of time on screen. Bravo to her! Thompson is actually 63 years old and I’m not sure why the scriptwriters felt they needed to make Nancy a 55-year old: she absolutely pulls it off though. Thompson definitely gets my vote towards a BAFTA nomination for this one.
- Daryl McCormack, so good in “Pixie” as a hapless corner of the love-triangle, here turns in a tremendous performance. Full of confidence but also of vulnerability as Nancy digs relentlessly under the skin of his alter-ego. Again, it would be great for McCormack to get some awards recognition for this.
Negatives:
- The movie is structured as a series of “Meetings”. We cut away from some of the encounters before their end. My one frustration was in not knowing exactly how far the action went during the first meeting. It wasn’t clear. (Edit: The illustrious Mrs Mann disagrees with me on this point and quite liked this vagueness.)
- My God… what a truly awful and forgettable title!
Summary Thoughts on “Good Luck To You, Leo Grande”:
This is Sophie Hyde’s third feature film (not including her documentary work). The only other one I’ve seen was her last film “Animals” and, although I recognised it for its artistic merit, I was really not a fan. But Leo Grande was much more my cup of tea. Insightful and thoughtful, it was a terrific movie that will appeal to many older (but still empirically sexy!) people. It would be great for more men to see it (I was the only one in my screening!). And PARTICULARLY so if they can relate to Nancy’s ex-husband and take the hint to do something about it before the “ex-” bit comes to pass!
By coincidence, I was having a twitter conversation today with director Marley Morrison (she of the excellent “Sweetheart“). I was commenting that a lesbian-focused and female-directed comedy like that would never have got made in the 80’s. Similarly, this is another film that would never have got green-lit in previous decades. Principally because discussion of the sexual needs of the elderly, and menopausal women in particular, has been rather a taboo subject in the mainstream media until late.
Above all, this movie is yet more evidence of the progress being made in the long-overdue #shedirects movement. With movies like this, I say more power to the elbows of #WomenInFilm!
Trailer for “Good Luck To You, Leo Grande”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJcbZoJFLTU .
