Good Luck to You, Leo Grande - Review

This film tells the story of an aging woman who tries to regain some of her youth and sexuality through the services of a male escort. This is a great film that looks into why people feel shame for things they should not and end up repressing parts of themselves that they should embrace. Furthermore, the movie also looks into how people can and should feel confident in themselves no matter their age and never stop living the life they envision or desire. This film has a great screenplay brought to life through the great performances of Emma Thompson and Darly McCormack who fully embrace the sensitive subject matter the film deals with. Emma Thompson is great at portraying an older school teacher who in the past ridiculed her students for how they dressed and comes to realize the error of her ways through her journey of self discovery. Darly McCormack is the star of this film though since his performance as a male escort is both commanding and subtle as we can see the moments where he commands the conversation and also when he is uncomfortable which is conveyed not through his dialogue but instead the subtle physical ques he gives off such that I feel he should have been given greater awards recognition than he has been. This is one of those films that ends before you realize an hour and a half has gone by since it is so well crafted and tells such a unique and interesting story that does not stretch on longer than it needs to. It is fascinating to watch these two characters transform over a number of weeks strictly through showing their encounters in a single hotel room. Not only does this movie look into what makes these characters tick it also offers something more exploring what might make the world a better place which I will not spoil here since I feel the film delivers this message best and I do not think it fits in my review. I strongly recommend this film though I must worn potential viewers that the film is graphic at times, as comes with the territory of the subject matter being discussed. I gave this film an 8/10.

Here is a trailer for the movie.