Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

Still on my quest for movies featuring older women as protagonists, I stumbled upon “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” after thoroughly enjoying “The Lady in the Van”. Let me tell you, it’s a genuine and touching film (pun not intended).

This British comedy-drama premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022. It follows a middle-aged woman who decides to hire a young sex worker to experience pleasure for the first time in her life. It’s a hot topic, for sure. 🙂

In an interview, screenwriter Katy Brand shared that the idea stemmed from a single scene: “A lone woman in her early sixties anxiously waiting in a hotel room for a young male escort.” And that scene pretty much kicks off the entire film. We’re taken on a journey with two vastly different characters navigating an unusual situation together.

Now, tackling such a sensitive topic could easily go sideways, but thankfully, writer Katy Brand and director Sophie Hyde handled it with grace. They delved into themes of intimacy and genuine human connection without resorting to stereotypes or cheap laughs. As an audience, we never laugh at a character’s expense. And from the interviews I’ve read, I get this is a deliberate choice of the writer. I really appreciate the empathetic and compassionate perspective of the filmmakers towards the characters and the story.

What’s intriguing about “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” is that it primarily unfolds in a hotel room with just two characters. Yet, it remains captivating throughout. The dynamics between the young, attractive male sex worker and his older, reserved client are incredibly nuanced. Plus, both characters boast rich, layered backstories that add depth to the narrative.

Last but not least, when director Sophie Hyde talks about the making of the film, she states, “Anytime there’s a great collaboration between people, you feel like you’re in a little boat together on the ocean and you have to look after each other.” What a lovely metaphor. These days, I feel fortunate to have people I’d happily share a little boat with as we set sail for new horizons.