Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

by Julian Spivey

Director: Sophie Hyde
Starring: Emma Thompson & Daryl McCormack 
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 hour & 39 minutes

If you Google “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” directed by Sophie Hyde, you’ll see genres listed as drama/sex comedy. While there are occasional laughs in ‘Leo Grande’ it’s laughable to see it listed as a “sex comedy.” This is no “American Pie” or raunchy film where sex is a part of a joke. ‘Leo Grande’ is an important look at middle-age-to-elderly sex and the right to being fulfilled sexually at any age.

“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” written by Katy Brand, is the kind of movie I’ve always loved – there’s two primary characters, one location and almost entirely dialogue. It’s basically a play captured on film. And while I understand the simplicity of two characters, one location, almost entirely dialogue might sound boring to man film goers, ‘Leo Grande’ kept my attention the whole way through it’s one hour and 37 minute runtime with two of the best performances I’ve seen on film this year.

Nancy Stokes, nom de plume, is a 60-something widower who’s never orgasmed in her life and her sex life with her late husband was very straightforward and unexciting. She’s embarrassed by her age, her body and her lack of experiences with sex. We meet her in a hotel room, where she’s waiting for a knock on the door from Leo Grande, nom de plume, a sex worker with ridiculously good looks, who’s probably in his mid-to-late 20s.

Nancy is played by Oscar-winner Emma Thompson. Leo is played by Daryl McCormack, who is new to me, but makes his mark on the film brilliantly. It should be a star-making turn.

Nancy is guilty and embarrassed, both of which Leo assures her she need not feel. There’s nothing dirty about sex and he thinks highly of his profession. ‘Leo Grande’ is very sex positive.

You wouldn’t expect such a scenario – woman books sex worker – to lead to such wonderful conversations, but Nancy’s worries about the experience lead to both of them opening up and getting to know one another. The two form something of an odd couple relationship and after a positive first meeting, Nancy books Leo once again – she has an entire list of sexual pleasures she wants to try out this time. She insists she’ll never orgasm though.

As one would guess, eventually things turn too personal between Nancy and Leo when real names and pasts are brought up. Ultimately, the two come to an understanding – though as a viewer it’s unfortunate to know these two people who’ve shared so much intimacy together will likely never see each other again. But Nancy ultimately received what she’d been looking for all along – and no it’s not just the orgasm.

Thompson is brilliant in ‘Leo Grande’ and has been hailed by many as being brave for going completely nude as a 63-year old actress. I don’t know if bravery is where I would go with it, but it is unusual to see an actress of her age do this. It’s also important to the overall story, something most nude scenes realistically aren’t. I hope voters remember Thompson’s turn in this film when Oscar nominations are up for conversation – though it’s mid-summer release on a streaming service like Hulu may have a negative impact on that.

McCormack is likely going to be a name to look out for moving forward after his performance as the titular character in this film. He’s a warm, smart presence and his piercing eyes and good looks certainly won’t hurt him any finding roles.