Review by John Delia
Now on Hulu, the film Good Luck to you, Leo Grande makes its way to home entertainment and skipping local theaters. Sometimes I wonder why the producers would cutout a chance to have the film on the big screen and miss the opportunity for even a greater audience. Especially in this case where the film will probably be considered for end the year awards season.
Widowed for several years, Nancy Stokes (Emma Thompson) decides she wants to put some zip in her life. When we meet her she is waiting in a hotel room for a sex surrogate with whom she plans to jumpstart the intimate relationship she rarely had with her husband. Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack), who calls himself a sex worker to get around the prostitution laws, arrives. Many years younger than Nancy, we find the first meeting more of an uncomfortable situation.
Starting with their second session some weeks later, the two are beginning to click and Nancy starts to get more of what she originally intended. Director Sophie Hyde turns up the heat from this point on, both sexually and psychologically. The film is more than a “slam bam thank you sir”, and gets across the point that one’s life doesn’t have to stop after the loss of a loved one and can even blossom in your senior years.
Emma Thompson gives an absolute perfect performance as the woman in her later years who wants to make up for “lost” emotional times. A brave actress, here nude/sex scenes are nicely shown and very realistic, and I bet giving many women in her situation some impetus to “come alive” once again. Thompson has always been a favorite of mine and here it proves she’s still got the guts, charisma and beauty to carry a film like this.
Fairly new, and with this film a boost to his career, Daryl McCormack gives a flawless acting show as the sex worker. Delivering a well built, calm and cool partner to Nancy, his Leo Grande keeps the film convincing and enjoyable to watch, especially for the ladies watching the film.
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande has been rated R by the MPAA for sexual content, graphic nudity and some language. For the acting, direction and creative story I highly recommend the film for adults, especially those over 50. Now available on HULU.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack, Isabella Laughland
Directed by: Sophie Hyde
Genre: Comedy Drama
MPAA Rating: Rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity and some language
Running Time: 1 hr. 37 min.
Opening Date: June 17, 2022
Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures
Released on: HULU