The film tells the story of retired religious
studies teacher and widower, Nancy Stokes (Thompson), who after
much deliberation has decided to book a hotel room and hire sex
worker Leo Grande (Irish actor Daryl McCormack) for the night.
As their initially awkward encounter progresses, the two begin
to open up about their lives to one another.
"I loved this script so much and I loved its examination of the
female experience," Thompson said as she attended the film's red
carpet premiere.
"We've really got to tell these stories and draw them out and
make sure that they get made because it's not a given," she
said.
The performance-focused film is set almost entirely in one hotel
room, where Nancy and Leo bare their souls and their bodies to
each other.
Directed by Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde and written by
British comedian Katy Brand, the movie explores themes of
sexuality, self-expression and body positivity through humour
and candour. A scene features Thompson, 62, scrutinising her
naked body in front of a full-length mirror.
"I think it was a very difficult scene for her to do because for
any of us to stand and to look at ourselves in the mirror
without judgement and without trying to change ourselves is a
big thing because we're soaked in a culture where we're taught
to hate ourselves and hate our bodies," said Hyde.
"Good Luck to You, Leo Grande" received its world premiere at
the virtual Sundance Film Festival and is screening in the
Berlinale Special Gala section in Berlin.
(Reporting by Hanna Rantala; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
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