Directed by:
Sophie HydeScreenplay:
Katy BrandCinematography:
Bryan MasonComposer:
Stephen RennicksVOD (1)
Plots(1)
Nancy Stokes doesn’t know good sex. Whatever it may be, Nancy, a retired schoolteacher, is pretty sure she has never had it, but she is determined to finally do something about that. She even has a plan: It involves an anonymous hotel room, and a young sex worker who calls himself Leo Grande. Leo is confident, dapper, and takes pride in being good at his job. He also appears to be intrigued by Nancy — one of many things to surprise her during their time together. (Searchlight Pictures US)
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Reviews (7)
There is nothing exceptional about this conversational low-key melodrama. However, what will pull you in is the incredibly original screenplay, the openness of both characters, and the great impression of authentic life hidden in it. The chemistry between Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack is excellent and a pleasure to watch. The characters develop and even though it is a very intimate movie, it has momentum and flows briskly. Jokes, tears, and intimacy are perfectly enhanced by a soundtrack that lifts the film by several levels.
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Without researching anything about the film beforehand, I went into it expecting a fairly conventional Britcom, and I was surprised at how intimate, dialogue-rich and actor-exposed a conversation piece it ended up being. And it is funny, thought-provoking, engaging and bold, though perhaps a little too literal at times (which doesn't matter too much here, thankfully). [KVIFF 2022]
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This nice conversational drama offers a lot to think about and is full of the contrasts the main protagonists embody: young, confident, relaxed, spontaneous Leo Grande tries to fulfill the sexual desires of the older, uptight, stubborn and not very confident teacher Nancy, who is mostly very nice, but at the same time very unlikeable and intrusive for my taste. Emma Thompson plays her brilliantly as expected, and I must say she has my great admiration, she revealed herself with refinement. I guess one of the main ideas would be that it's never too late to change and try new things. Most of the scenes and dialogues felt very real to me, except for the last one with the former student in the hotel restaurant, but never mind, I forgive this little thing because I enjoyed the film overall.
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A few months ago, I stumbled upon this film and was immediately intrigued by its premise. Emma Thompson's character has never experienced an orgasm, and after her husband's death, she hires a gigolo to make it happen. It sounded like it could be a fun watch, but it turned out to be much more serious, story-driven, and dialogue-heavy than I expected. In fact, it's a perfectly executed dialogue-centric film.
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A pleasant surprise. I like conversation dramas that take place in one place with an interesting idea, interesting thoughts and dialogues and nice actors. A film about sex, pleasure, self-acceptance and human connection. Emma Thompson is 55, a widow, has only had her husband in her life and he sucked in bed, so she decides to book a male escort to experience the thrill she wasted in her youth. Emma's acting is great and I enjoyed watching and listening to her past and problems. Daryl McCormack as the male escort is confident, likeable, very empathetic, smart and funny, and also with an interesting past. An unconventional couple of different ages in an unexpected situation. In the right mood, this can be a very enjoyable film, and it also has the typical British black humour. 7.5/10.
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