By Shane Alliew
Kolkata, July 31, 2022: What is it with the three-letter word – sex of course (in case you are wondering) and why is it that when it comes to the pleasures of the act, there are eyebrows raised and several dramatic taboos involved, are conveniently brushed under the carpet – such a ‘boring’ Victorian approach!
Indeed, demystifying these norms is the fresh and fashionably saucy Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, running at 97 minutes, directed by Australian director Sophie Hyde and starring Emma Thompson and the ravishing Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders).
Nancy (Emma) is a widow and a retired Religious Education (ironic) schoolteacher who has had meaningless sex with her husband for the last 31 years. He would get into bed without his pyjamas, roll on top of her, finish his business, roll off and get back to sleep, as Nancy reports. She books the services of Leo (Daryl), a twenty-something Irish bloke, through a website, where he is registered as a paid escort cum sex-worker. Their serialized meetings take place in an inconspicuous hotel room.
Over these meetings, the nuances of their relationship shift through various upheavals: the motherly concern, the clientele take on, the frustrated widow, the lustful duo and the beautiful memories made, amongst all.
The questions and statements raised by Nancy are just the tip of the iceberg – “should services like these be legalized?” and “I don’t want and old man, I want a young one”, yet they are impertinent questions which at some point of time, may have struck each one of us (nothing to get embarrassed of) – how does meaningless sex, mar an equally meaningless marriage or relationship. This begs yet another crucial question – does sex play an important role in a relationship/ marriage? That, my dear friend, only you could answer for yourself.
In the meanwhile, the film rips open several sentiments which run through the head of the audience, the heart of which is: what is the ultimate role of sex? Pleasure, pain, emotions, catharsis, bonding, sacredness….it could be one, or it could be all, it could also be none.
In Leo, we find the perfect listener, the perfect body, Nancy touches each part, seeking his permission, with an extraordinary simplicity and amazement. He is funny, silent, attentive and rebellious. Darly has brought to life Leo’s character, the boy next door who could just be melting you with the charm in his eyes and mannerisms.
Emma surpasses all – the naked scene in front of the mirror, is more than a self-exploration – it’s a bold statement to cry out aloud amongst a crowd of hundreds to say ‘emotional voids are real’ and ‘here am I begging to be loved’. Yes, emotional nakedness is a reality – just like mental well-being. At 63, if she does bear it all, it certainly has its absolute aesthetic beauty and charm.
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is on Hulu and is certainly a watch – not to be missed.
Rating: 4/5