Centered around a retired school teacher (Emma Thompson) who yearns for good company and, well, good sex with a handsome young sex worker named Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack),Good Luck to You, Leo Grandepremiered during 2022’s online-onlySundance Film Festivaland proved to be one of the festival’s buzziest titles, particularly when it came to Thompson’s bold and brazen lead performance. Quickly acquired bySearchlight Picturesfor a hefty $7.5 million, this flirtatious fling of a film won’t ever be seen in a theater near you, as it’s slated to screen exclusively onHululater this summer. But in this case, that might not be a bad thing.
As the movie itself is an engagingly low-stakes dramedy focused on a one-night-stand shared between two very different people, maybeLeo Grandeis also the type of flick that benefits from seeing it in the comfort of your own home. We won’t have to wait too long to figure out if that’s the case. The indie darling will be available on the streaming service starting June 17th. Directed bySophie Hyde(Animals) and written byKaty Brand, making her feature writing debut,Good Luck to You, Leo Grandewas celebrated for its charming presentation, lived-in wit, sharp dialogue, and winning performances, though the two-handler comedy was also praised for its frank, surprisingly moving conversations about overcoming your inner and outward biases, as well as the often-lingering stigmas of sexual shame.
At once entertaining and poignant, it’s easy to see whyLeo Grandeproved to be a critical success and an audience favorite, complete with Thompson allowing herself to be bare —physicallyand emotionally — in a lead performance that’s already the source of some awards talk. Of course, it’s way,waytoo early for any discussions like that, but it’s inspiring to know that some of Thompson’s best work is still to come. The two-time Oscar-winning actress/writer hasproven her talentsmany times over, but it’s great to know that we can look forward to another great performance in the coming months.
RELATED:Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack & Sophie Hyde on ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,’ Sex Work, and Female Pleasure | Sundance 2022
It should be noted thatGood Luck to You, Leo Grandeis only one of several Searchlight titles premiering exclusively on Hulu later this year. Along with this Sundance acquisition, the servicewill also houseFire IslandandNot Okay. The former streams on June 3rd, while the latter will make its way on the site on August 5th. Additionally,FRESH,another Sundance title, made its way onto Hulu courtesy of Searchlight Pictures' banner on March 4th. And it’s safe to assume that a few more small titles will make their way to the streaming service in the months and years ahead.
While I was fortunate enough to attendthis year’s Sundance Film Festival, I sorely missed the chance to watchGood Luck to You, Leo Grandefor myself, which is a decision I’ve certainly grown to regret. But thankfully, like you, I don’t have to wait too long to see the film.
Good Luck to You, Leo Grandewill stream on Hulu starting June 17th.
