Sundance 2022: Good Luck to You Leo Grande Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Sundance Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

One is never too old to come of age. Films empowering senior audiences have been a rarity as of late but that being said, Good Luck to You Leo Grande is much more than that. Though the story may be centered around an older woman, it should still resonate with other audiences. A two-pronged generational character study that essentially plays as a stage play, its sharp script alongside sensational performances from Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack and their great chemistry all make for a compelling and charming watch that was surprisingly layered and emotional over the course of its 90+ minute running time. On the other side, its simple nature and dialog-heavy narrative won’t be for everyone therefore those expecting for more will likely be disappointed. Suffice it to say that those who fail to relate to the film’s themes will have a harder time watching and they won’t be for everyone.

Good Luck to You Leo Grande follows Nancy Stokes (Thompson), a lonely widow yearning for some human connection and adventure. As a result, she sought out the services of a young man named Leo Grande (McCormack). Finding herself completely out of her element, Stokes’ apprehension was adorable to watch though Grande definitely picked up on it. To try and put her at ease, the two got to know each other and from there, things got deep and tragic. As Stokes talked about the root of her loneliness and sexual dysfunction, Grande talked about his life and how it led to him becoming a personal companion. Believing in the pursuit of pleasure, he helped her be comfortable with her body and not be afraid of pleasure while she helped him be more comfortable about his profession. Over subsequent meetings, their relationship got more complicated as the two became more involved with one another. Little did they realize, their relationship was mutually beneficial but in the end, one can’t help but want a happy ending for each of them.

Ultimately, the best part of Good Luck to You Leo Grande was the sharp script and the sensational performances from Thompson and McCormack as Stokes and Grande respectively. They took on the responsibility of being the film’s only two characters beautifully, each bringing the strong dialog and characters to life, creating a stellar dynamic that carries the film. As Stokes, Thompson laid herself out there on screen, showing range in being vulnerable and raw which was even more impactful considering her age. Meanwhile, McCormack’s stole scenes as Grande with his charm and charisma and more than held his own up against Thompson.

That final shot in Good Luck to You Leo Grande will be hard to forget.

*still courtesy of Sundance

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.