From filmmaker Sophie Hyde and writer Katy Brand comes this extremely enjoyable and utterly brilliant comedy/ drama – essentially a two-hander led by Emma Thompson as widowed 55-year-old Nancy Stokes who sets up a series of meetings with young, handsome sex worker Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) in a hotel room in Norwich.
Nancy is lonely. It has been two years since she lost her husband of the last three decades – the only man she has ever slept with – and she has come to realise that there is still more to discover in life, particularly in the bedroom. So, on the particular afternoon in which we first meet her, we find that she has arranged a liaison with a twenty-something escort named Leo Grande. He’s buff, attractive, and just the type of person Nancy is after. She’s also nervous, clear from the moment in which we first see her, but Leo soon starts to put her at ease. Out comes the sexy nightwear she’s bought for the occasion, as well as the champagne which she hasn’t hesitated to open. She’s prepared for this – it’s the religious education teacher in her – but the anxiety soon starts to take over. Will she be able to go through with it?
With a film that has comedian Katy Brand as its writer and creator, you’re right to guess that you’re in for an entertaining and funny experience, but there are many more layers to this sweet story. A very theatrical piece – I can see this being played out on stage in the future – the film slowly pulls you with its witty dialogue and natural flow throughout. Thompson and McCormack (Peaky Blinders) are superb, the former handling the material as you would expect her to do. This is Thompson as we’ve not seen her before; a brave performance and one depicting a character that undergoes quite the transformation during the film’s light 100 minutes or so running time. McCormack too, as the young escort, lights up the screen, Leo Grande essentially taking the reverse of the journey that Nancy is on, the vulnerability of the character slowly becoming more and more exposed as the narrative progresses.
This is a remarkable piece of work; the writing is excellent, and the direction perfect. This is a film that largely takes place in one location with two characters chatting throughout, though it belts along at a great pace. I had a great time with it, and this will surely translate to a paying audience away from the festival buzz it is more than deservedly receiving.
A lovely film with Emma Thompson giving one of her best performances of the last decade or so. An uplifting film that will stay with you long after the credits role.
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande
Summary
A superbly written and directed film with one of Emma Thompson’s best performances in years.
