Good Luck To You, Leo Grande is one of the most important movies that anyone can watch. Not only does it perfectly showcase body and sex positivity, it spreads a strong message of self love, and self appreciation. Something that we all could use more of, quite frankly.

This beautiful story certainly has its shocking moments, and it isn’t for viewers who are uncomfortable with sex. While there isn’t much nudity at all, there is sex-heavy conversations. This movie is quite funny too, but that doesn’t take away from, or belittle, the sex positivity message.

Good Luck To You, Leo Grande follows Nancy Stokes, played by the wonderful Emma Thompson, as she goes down a path to learn to appreciate herself. She is an older woman and retired teacher whose husband has recently passed away. Because of this, she decides to embrace somethings about life that she never gotten to do before. She hires herself a male sex worker, Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) and books a hotel room. In true teacher fashion she comes prepared, with a list of things she wants to try. But the two spend a lot more time talking then engaging in sexual acts, and that is what the focus of this film is about.

Almost immediately she confesses that she has never had an orgasm before. This is not her goal of this meeting, she just wanted Leo to be aware of that fact. As the movie continues on, Leo and Nancy meet a few times. The film only takes place inside the hotel room (besides one small scene towards the end) which gives it a very personal and intimate feeling.

At the start of the film Nancy is covered up just about as much as she can be. It comes off that she is hiding her body, and quite honestly, is ashamed of it. There are several times that she points out her flaws, even asking Leo how he can stay aroused by her. But with each meeting she gets more and more “free”, which is absolutely wonderful and heartwarming to see.

Leo is not without his own issues, which are discussed in length with Nancy during their private conversations. In an effort to remain spoiler free, let’s just say they center around his family, and what they think of his profession.

Good Luck To You, Leo Grande explores sexuality in a way that is polished and respectful. It is not raunchy, or perverted, in the slightest. That is what makes this movie so special. Sexuality can be a strange subject to explore for some, and this film is tasteful and touching. It dives into some heavy topics, like the treatment of sex workers, but does so in a way that can inspire viewers to learn to love themselves, and to look at themselves in a different light.

There is something about confidence that can unburden people, and open them up to a live a very happy life. This movie not only explores the sexual awakening that Nancy goes through, but what is clearly a personal journey for her as well. Leo’s path and realizations are just as important. The two end up helping each other in some very unexpected ways, which is part of the charm of the movie.

Choosing to focus on just Nancy and Leo, in a hotel room, over several different meetings, creates an intimate experience. Viewers will feel like they are looking in on someone’s life, and watching them learn how to connect with themselves, and how to love themselves, and how to appreciate themselves — but not in a creepy voyeurous way. More like in a way that will hopefully have everyone looking inside themselves, and learning to accept, and love, who they are deep inside.

The final scene of Good Luck To You, Leo Grande is one of the best shot scenes in a long while. It is hard to discuss without spoilers but it is fitting, and will hopefully make every single viewer smile to themselves. Nancy goes on a journey throughout this movie, as does Leo, and both of them are much better off after having met each other.

About Good Luck To You, Leo Grande

In GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE, two-time Academy Award winner Emma Thompson (Love, Actually) embodies the candor and apprehension of retired teacher Nancy Stokes, and newcomer Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders) personifies the charisma and compassion of sex worker Leo Grande. As Nancy embarks on a post-marital sexual awakening and Leo draws on his skills and charm, together they find a surprising human connection.

Good Luck To You, Leo Grande comes to Hulu on June 17th.

Tessa Smith

Tessa Smith AKA Mama's Geeky, is a journalist that covers geek and Disney culture on her own website, as well as freelances for other sites such as What's On Disney Plus and Screen Rant. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Marketing and loves all things geeky. She is a Disney Vacation Club member and a Founders Circle Member of Disney+. She is also an approved critic for Rotten Tomatoes and a member of the Critics Choice Association. Tessa lives in Upstate New York with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs named Sansa and Khaleesi.

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