We saw this movie tonight on Hulu, "Good Luck To You, Leo Grande."
Set in London, it tells of a widowed, retired schoolteacher who hires a young, male sex worker. She had a dull, unfulfilling sex life with her late husband, and she's never had an *.
This is an absolutely brilliant, intelligent, thoroughly adult movie. It has some of the frankest, detailed sex talk I've ever heard in a major, mainstream movie; and it is refreshingly invigorating. Only prudes will object.
Emma Thompson gives an audacious, intuitive portrayal of a woman who realizes she's never experienced sexual ecstasy, and with her desires to *feel* like a woman capable of sensual pleasures, she's also riddled with repressed hang-ups, her negative body image, and the feeling that her golden chances have passed her by.
Thompson confronts this woman's inner persona with a dazzling skill that reminds me of Bette Davis's turn as Margo Channing: Thompson captures the essence of the mental afflictions - undoubtedly a significant number - many repressed, older women face when they realize something vital in their being has been, and/or is missing from their lives.
But; there are likely just as many men who have the same inner afflictions. This is a story for all people.
Thompson's performance is multiple-award worthy, and I think her powerful turn will speak to many women. Most importantly, Thompson imbues her characterization with deft, keen humor; her gift of irony intermingled with sarcasm and pathos is just right. The last scene that closes the movie is shockingly perfect, a testament to Thompson's willingness to do what only great actors will do: taking *the* ultimate risk to achieve the effective means to completing the impact of the characterization. This portrayal will be talked about everywhere, and referentially, for years.
Just as good, though, is Daryl McCormack as the young man who helps his client find her way. He is deeply charming and appealing, and there's no element of sleaze or creepiness about his character. We find out that he, too is all too human.
These two actors play off each other with complete, fluid give-and-take, and the chemistry and nuances they coax out mutually, in pursuit of bringing these two very human characters to life, is a pleasure to behold. This is *reacting* of the highest order.
Absorbing, compelling, and compassionate, this tale about what it is to be human is a must-see.
This is the kind of movie I relish, about real people and real feelings.
