Directed by Sophie Hyde
Starring Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack

I didn’t know what I was going into with Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, and neither did Nancy when she hired an escort to solve her life’s problems. The namesake, Leo Grande, has charisma oozing out of every inch of his character while Nancy’s conservatism in the bedroom slows the pace of things enough for the two to get to know each other.

Generations are at war as the two opposites collaborate on one shared goal: let’s show Nancy a good time. Leo’s genuine pleasure found in earning an honest paycheque is endearing and Nancy’s hesitancy to let go is engaging, and that’s why the pillow talk is perhaps more powerful than whatever sex scene I could possibly imagine. The drama was on display in such a pleasantly comedic way that I almost forgot that we’d spent the film primarily in one room.

When this room changes however, it creates such an impact, be it the weather or their outfits, it’s all so intimate. The small set reflects the embrace Leo desires & the claustrophobia Nancy’s running from. Our comfort is therefore displaced further by every subtle change and it’s so much more striking for the viewer.

Almost like a podcast, there was robust debate concerning the virtues of conservatism versus the need for human connection in modern life. The conversation was so laid back it bordered on the very edge of boring, but the chemistry & curiosity from both parties really locked in my engagement without making it unrealistic or bogged down in the tiny details. We never learnt what Leo’s rates are, the film isn’t rated R so naturally we never see anything graphic, and that inclination to avoid the shocking creates a deeper meaning in the subtext which is how Sophia Hyde achieves such big results in such subtle ways.

We could’ve travelled the world, but we didn’t even know which part of London we were in. Collaboration is the focus here, but can they find a way to overcome Nancy’s shame in self-embrace? I will tell you it is a mighty big obstacle by any means, and I’m told that Leo’s had a lot of experience with satisfying client’s needs, but Nancy is a whole other can of worms.

Good Luck To You, Leo Grande is showing in cinemas across Australia from August 18th.

Moviedoc thanks Roadshow Films and The Reset Collective for the invite to the screening of this film.

Reviewed by Zak Wheeler for Moviedoc

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