Emma Thompson remains one of the best actors working today and her turn in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is one of her stronger performances, a complicated portrait of a woman making choices for herself she never allowed herself before. The story, which takes the trope of an older woman's sexual awakening with a younger man, and makes it feel honest and real. Thompson brings a real strength to her Nancy, a real depth so she isn't a cliche. And watching her is just remarkable.
McCormack is delightful, first as the mysteriously nurturing and incredibly hot sex worker, and as the film progresses, as a vulnerable and complicated young man who doesn't magically fix Nancy, but in partnership with her find each other.
I loved how the film allows its characters to find connection through their intimacy, and how it explores the way there are complications to that as well. The film's depiction of sex work is refreshing. The film affirms connections found through means that are often reduced to scorn. There were some moments I wish the film was braver but it does give a wonderful role for a great actor to remind us just what a presence she is.
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
Starring: Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack
Director: Sophie Hyde
Writer: Katie Brand
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