“Good Luck To You, Leo Grande” — the two-hander starring Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack — is a refreshing dive into what sexuality means in today’s society, specifically from a female standpoint. The film opens up with widowed and disenchanted religious education teacher Nancy Stokes (Thompson) hiring the significantly younger sex worker, Leo Grande (McCormack). In her own words, she doesn’t want to have sex with an old man and she knows she’ll have to pay for younger. This is the springboard in which the film explores a whole host of complexities surrounding sexuality, aging, desire, and society’s expectations of how people should behave.
The writing by Katy Brand is incredibly relatable whilst being touching and humorous in the right places. Brand lays the foundation for characters that are human, flawed, but so sincere it’s hard not to like them. This creates a safe space in which difficult, sometimes uncomfortable, topics are unapologetically explored as the film progresses.
Thompson and McCormack Easily Hold Viewers’ Attention
This would all mean nothing if Thompson and McCormack didn’t step into the roles so well. Both actors flex some serious muscles to hold the viewers’ attention, and being the sole focus of the audience for the majority of 97 minutes is no easy feat. Both actors have created detailed, rounded characters with depth, who are incredibly engaging on-screen.
It’s wonderful to see the high strung, nervous energy of Nancy come up against the open, non-judgmental and highly charismatic Leo Grande. She has some very outdated and misguided opinions about sex inherited from the patriarchy. Her journey for sexual freedom comes with the realization that sexual power in women is actually a positive force and is great to see. We even see her outfit choices change as she grabs onto this newfound power and admits how good it feels. Likewise, McCormack has created the perfect counterbalance to this in the suave, charismatic, almost therapeutic Leo Grande. It’s touching to see his more sensitive side later on in the drama/comedy.
All of this combines to pose some serious questions to us, the audience. Leo talks about how he enjoys being a sex worker and how he’s proud of the work he does, so why can’t he do that if he enjoys it? Nancy discusses being a parent and how sometimes your children can be disappointing. She also discusses all of the things she could have done and achieved in her ‘uneventful’ life if she hadn’t had kids. Why is it that women are still expected to do things by a certain age in today’s society, and why don’t men face the same pressure? These are the kinds of questions “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” asks.
Questioning Patriarchy Via Sexual Liberation
You would think a film mostly set in a hotel room would be boring; but through a mixture of close up, mid-range, and rolling shots, director Sophie Hyde brings the space to life and complements the storytelling fantastically. Added to this there are some really strong moments captured excellently by the camerawork, and the imagery presented is uplifting and heart-warming in itself. There are moments that speak to the viewer when words aren’t necessary. Particularly towards the end once Nancy has learnt to accept who she is.
As the story progresses, we see Nancy own her sexual power, and she even comes to their second meeting with a list of things she wants to achieve sexually. This is a far cry from the Nancy we first meet, who, by her own admission, has only ever had sex with her husband.
“Leo Grande” uses this second meeting to explore our own prejudices towards sex and sexuality as a society — a theme present throughout the film. It challenges us to think about everything we thought we knew, while turning many of our preconceived and misguided notions upside down. The fact is, she has never had an orgasm, and that’s what she wants to achieve. As the film unfolds Leo helps her explore her sexual side without judgement or comment, but ultimately Nancy is able to achieve her ultimate desire alone. The drama reaches its zenith when Nancy reveals she has been doing some digging on the illusive Leo Grande and has found out who he really is. This leads to an extremely heated argument (*spoiler*) in which the pair trade insults, leading to a separation.
An Open, Honest Journey
Ultimately, no three-act piece would be complete without resolution, and here it is delivered in a touching, heart-warming end scene in which Nancy finally comes to terms with who she is. The film really is a celebration of sexuality through the eyes of a strong female character — a breath of fresh air without the cynicism and narrow views of the patriarchy. It is a warm, uplifting, compelling piece of drama interspersed with heartfelt comedic moments. It’s a film that teaches and educates as well as entertains. Perhaps we can all learn something from the openness and honesty of Nancy’s journey.
“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” is currently available to stream on Hulu via subscription or trial.
