Structured like a play, this mostly single location chamber piece depicts a few meetings between a sexually repressed ex-teacher and a "quite expensive" sex worker. Dealing with themes of body image, confidence, regret, shame, honesty, pleasure and intimacy, the picture basically makes a case for the decriminalisation of its focal profession by portraying it not as an indulgence in 'sins of the flesh' (or whatever archaic terms those opposed to it throw around these days), but as an essential service that can help those in desperate need of a connection - physical and otherwise - get in touch with something they've lost (or perhaps never had to begin with). Furthermore, it posits that sex can be fun and that's perfectly fine. As you can tell, 'Good Luck To You, Leo Grande (2022)' is a very sex positive picture. It's also a rather feminist one. Featuring a brave, vulnerable performance from Emma Thompson (who has described filming a certain scene as being the hardest thing she's ever done) and a nuanced, tender turn from Daryl McCormack, this is an open, honest and sometimes PSA-esque parable about the benefits of open communication that bubbles with nervous anticipation and acts as an exploration of two characters who represent a plethora of emotions that are all too often hushed up in an effort to avoid so-called vulgarity. Things like this aren't often represented in media, and they're important to see reflected on screen. None of us are alone in - or wrong for - feeling the way we do about our bodies, and it's vital for that to be showcased in media because many people simply can't talk about this stuff with people they know in their real lives (for a variety of reasons). Although the movie stumbles into a traditional climax that leans into a stereotype the first two acts feel primed to avoid, the majority of the narrative is refreshingly non-judgmental and effectively naturalistic. It's basically a series of long conversations, but it ebbs and flows to the point that it never feels stagnant. It doesn't repeat itself unnecessarily and the range of topics it covers is impressive, if sometimes a little bit heavy-handed. It's entertaining in a laid-back sort of way, and it's often quite affecting simply due to its willingness to be frank about its subject matter. It's a really solid character study that hits all the beats it needs to. It's not the most exciting film, but it's important and engaging. It's also never exploitative, which is a big plus and kind of rare when it comes to movies prominently featuring prostitution.
