By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"Good Luck to You, Leo Grande" is a sexy, lusty, funny, heartwarming and simply brilliant dramedy from director Sophie Hyde ("Animals") and screenwriter Katy Brand (TV's "Circle Square") that debuts on
Hulu June 17.
It features a dynamic and revealing performance from Oscar winning actress
Emma Thompson ("Cruella" and "Matilda") and a marvelous star turn by newcomer
Daryl McCormack (TV's "Peaky Blinders").
Nancy Stokes, (Thompson) is a 55-year-old retired teacher and recent widow, who has never been able to let go and discover what really pleases her sexually. Her late husband was Mr. Routine, and she never had an orgasm.
Now that her kids are grown, Nancy feels it's time to satisfy her needs and desires and discover what she has been missing in life.
Enter Leo Grande, (McCormack), a sex worker/escort she hires and who turns out to be much more than a pretty face and hard body. Leo meets Nancy at a posh hotel and her journey to sexual discovery slowly begins to unfold.
Leo's professionalism and kindness surprises and often embarrasses Nancy. Leo tells her that he's non-judgmental and that he can be anything she wants him to be. So, just relax and enjoy.
Nancy can't believe her good luck to get such a young, charming, and intelligent guy, but she can’t relax. She starts to doubt herself and questions whether the arrangement is really a good idea. She makes Leo laugh especially when she tells him she believes she's hired a "sex-trafficked orphan."
Leo is also a very patient guy. Then again, he's being paid quite well. Even so, Nancy is doing everything she can to keep from undressing and getting the party started despite Leo's assurance that she's not too old--he has been with older women--and that she won't disappoint him.
Their steamy hotel hookups continue, and Nancy has even compiled a "To Do List." By the third encounter, she has loosened up and begins to feel comfortable in her own skin.
The dialogue between Thompson and McCormack is so witty, clever, and honest. The majority of the film takes place in the hotel room and the sex sequences never feel gratuitous or exploitative. That said, "Good Luck to You Leo Grande" isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea.
However, nudity and sex aside, this is a daring and superb movie. "Good Luck to You, Leo Grande" is a sophisticated character study about female empowerment, aging, taking risks, self-acceptance and finding fulfillment at any stage in life. In short, it's a pleasurable experience.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 6:20 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
