Good Luck to You, Leo Grande Review

Sometimes you stumble on a perfect gem of a film and you just want to share how much you loved it with the world.

This movie is a breath of fresh air. It tells an incredibly small story that is somehow imbued with truth in every moment. It is extraordinary, beautiful, hilarious, heartbreaking, but most of all human. Rarely have I watched such well written dialogue, making me half hope someone turns it into a play. It takes a good long look at what it means to grow older, to grieve and regret, and is one of the most sex-positive films I have ever encountered. It acknowledges the essential importance of sexuality and its power to transform a person’s life, and how mind and body are inexorably intertwined so that it’s impossible to fully enjoy one when the other isn’t on board.

The care this movie shows in how it depicts current hot topics like consent, the abundance of porn, and gender double standards along with the taboo and perceived shame that still surround sex work is exquisite. And all this without ever feeling like it’s catering to trends; rather, one senses the subjects are important to the filmmakers and they have a viewpoint they want to share. The attention to detail is brilliant, with tiny changes in sets and costumes guiding us through the story’s path as effectively as the action.

Given that there are only two actors for almost the totality of the film, the acting has to take on the lion's share of the work. Daryl McCormack is very good, giving us subtle insights into the man behind the sex worker. But this is Emma Thompson’s time to shine. She is mesmerising, powerful, and impossible to deny. Her portrayal of the character’s inner struggle and journey is sublime, every detail of body language and voice contributing to letting us know who Nancy is.

This film made me guffaw and cry, empathise and gasp in shock - most of all, it felt empowering and real. And the way it resolves one of the important threads is so very brave by not taking the easy route that it had me grinning in the cinema (I’m hoping those who have seen it will know what I mean as I don’t want to give away spoilers but think small pink finger appendage!).


Conclusion: Absolutely! [what's this?]


Good Luck to You, Leo Grande came out in 2022.

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