Director: Sophie Hyde
Writer: Katy Brand
Starring: Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack
Genre: Drama/Comedy/Intimate Character Study
Running Time: 97 minutes
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Rating: R (for content, nudity, and dialogue)
Good Luck, Leo Grande (2022), directed by Sophie Hyde, is a tender and intimate drama about Nancy Stokes, ̲a̲ ̲r̲e̲t̲i̲r̲e̲d̲ ̲t̲e̲a̲c̲h̲e̲r̲ ̲a̲n̲d̲ ̲r̲e̲c̲e̲n̲t̲ ̲w̲i̲d̲o̲w̲,̲ ̲w̲h̲o̲ ̲h̲i̲r̲e̲s̲ ̲a̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲n̲g̲ ̲p̲r̲o̲s̲t̲i̲t̲u̲t̲e̲ ̲n̲a̲m̲e̲d̲ ̲Leo Grande in hopes of experiencing the s̲e̲x̲u̲a̲l̲ ̲ pleasure and emotional connection she missed in her marriage. Set largely in a single hotel room, the film unfolds through a series of conversations and encounters that gradually reveal the emotional layers of both characters. Nancy is anxious, insecure, and filled with self-doubt, while Leo is confident, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent.
As their sessions continue, a deeper bond forms—not just physically, but psychologically. Nancy begins to confront her fears, repressed desires, and societal expectations around aging and sexuality, while Leo’s vulnerabilities and past begin to emerge. Through their connection, the film explores themes of empowerment, shame, body image, and the human need for acceptance. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is a poignant, often humorous film that celebrates personal liberation and challenges traditional notions of intimacy and fulfillment.
📝 Plot Summary
In Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, we meet Nancy Stokes (Emma Thompson), a retired teacher and widow in her 60s who has never experienced s̲e̲x̲u̲a̲l̲ ̲satisfaction in her life. Determined to change that, she books a hotel room,
What begins as a planned physical encounter turns into a series of emotionally revealing conversations about pleasure, shame, body image, empowerment, and identity. Over the course of several encounters, both Nancy and Leo gradually lower their walls and discover what it means to be truly seen and accepted.
🎭 Cast & Performance
Emma Thompson is incredible as Nancy—vulnerable, witty, and unflinchingly honest. Her performance as she ages, explores, yearns, and doubts herself with rare emotional courage.
Daryl McCormack as Leo exudes warmth, tenderness, and strength. He brings emotional complexity and grace to a role that could easily have been one-dimensional.
Together, their chemistry is wonderful—not in the conventional romantic way, but through honesty and deep emotional connection.
🎥 Director & Tone
Sophie Hyde directs with intimacy and restraint, keeping the camera close and the sets minimal (much of the film takes place in a hotel room). This focus allows the dialogue and performances to shine, creating a theatrical intensity where every glance, pause, and smile counts.
Despite its mature themes, the film never veers into sensationalism—instead, it treats sexuality with dignity, empathy, and realism.
🎞️ Themes
s̲e̲x̲u̲a̲l̲ ̲ awakening at any age: The film challenges the notion that sexual exploration is only for young people.
Body positivity and shame: Nancy’s journey is deeply rooted in learning to accept and appreciate her body, something many viewers can relate to.
Emotional labor and identity: Leo challenges assumptions about sex work and masculinity.
Power dynamics and vulnerability: The film explores control, consent, and emotional security in subtle ways.
🏆 Reception & Impact
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% (critics) | 79% (audience)
Metacritic: 78/100
Awards:
Nominated for Outstanding British Film at BAFTA
Emma Thompson received critical acclaim, with many calling it one of the best performances of her career
Daryl McCormack was nominated for a BAFTA Rising Star Award
Critics praised the film for its bold, intimate storytelling and radical honesty about aging and pleasure—something rarely portrayed with such compassion and depth.
