Saturday, June 18

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande Review


Directed by: Sophie Hyde
Written By: Katy Brand
Starring: Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack
1h 37m

Sophie Hyde and Katy Brand shine a bright light on the sexual struggles many women face in their lifetime and frankly, it's about damn time. 

In GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE, Nancy Stokes (played by Emma Thompson) books sex worker Leo Grande (played by Daryl McCormack) to help her achieve the sexual adventures she never got to experience in her life, including her first orgasm. 

But what starts off as a shaky sexual encounter quickly turns into a bond of friendship based on trust, respect and acceptance - the real qualities to guaranteeing any satisfying sex. 

This film has so many good elements to start with - a sensitive female centered story well-written and directed by women; amazing actors Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack; and the guts to put it all out there.

But what makes this film stand out is the flow and presentation. You can feel the anxious and tense moments palpitating through the screen thanks to the majority of the film being shot in one location - the hotel room. There's no escape from baring it all - literally. 

Additionally, the dialog isn't just touch and cheek foreplay between the main characters. There are real conversations and discussions around sex workers rights, growing up as a female in the nuclear family dynamics of the 50s, the regrets and disappointments of motherhood, and disciplining of young girls for embracing their bodies. 

One of the best moments actually happens to be the one scene that is outside the hotel room. Without giving too much away, Nancy encounters her past, apologizes and makes amends with it. What results next is a well-rounded, heroes journey ending for Nancy. 

If I had seen this a theater, I would have stood up and applauded her.

These are the types of stories we should be screaming from the rooftops for all girls and women to hear. Be real, be honest, be open, and most of all - encourage women to join ranks with all women so we become a strong force of humanity to reckon with.


GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE is available to stream now on HULU.

Theresa's Rating
4.0 out of 5.0

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