What’s notable is the contrast he builds when he’s around Nancy, and when he’s not. Thompson is such a magnetic and engaging presence, and McCormack matches her beat for beat in this mostly two-hander film. This is Nancy’s obstacle – she needs to relinquish control and allow herself to feel pleasure and fun, and not merely do things by the book. Leo wants Nancy to see this experience as a joyous one, as opposed to being bogged down by a to-do list of all the things she needs to try. Sex is also not just about sex, it’s about the enjoyment of life. But after years of repressing that side of herself, it isn’t so easy for Nancy to let go, especially since she spent the better part of her life lecturing her female students about their dressing and overt displays of sexuality. He emphasizes that she mustn’t try to force herself into doing anything just because she thinks she has to. Leo is immensely patient, reassuring her at every turn, easing her into the situation, wanting her to feel as comfortable as possible. She acutely feels the juxtaposition between them, and doesn’t seem sold when he tells her that there’s always something to desire. There’s also the fear of not being desirable anymore because she’s an older woman. Thompson does well as the slightly neurotic Nancy, who’s inquisitive about Leo’s life, yet trying to reassure herself that she isn’t taking advantage of him.
She’s embarrassed and jittery things are a bit awkward as the pair try to figure out the terms of their relationship. What commences is an honest discussion about sex work, desire and our perceptions on ageing and beauty.ĭespite Nancy’s obvious desire for Leo, she’s nervous about actually moving forward with what she wants. She doesn’t want to lament a life not lived, so decides to embark on a sexual relationship with Leo. Her husband never cared about making her feel good or desirable, viewing certain sexual acts as degrading.Īfter he passed on, Nancy came to realise that she spent so much of her life being a pivot to someone else’s wants and desires, while hers remained unfulfilled. She was married and had children, but the activities in the bedroom were routine and perfunctory. You see, she’s lived most of her life in sexual sterility. Nancy Stokes (Emma Thompson) hires Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) – a beautiful, younger man – to have sex with her. An older woman’s exploration of her sexuality is the focus of director Sophie Hyde’s Good Luck To You, Leo Grande.
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