Featuring beloved British actress Emma Thompson this hidden gem movie explores the complex relationship between an older woman and a sex worker, and it’s shown on Film 4 this evening.

Also featuring Irish Peaky Blinders star Daryl McCormack, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande shows how the two lead characters’ encounters expose profound personal struggles within both characters’ lives that they’re compelled to confront.

Upon its release, the film garnered widespread critical praise for the leading performers’ portrayals and earned multiple award nominations.

Admirers of the picture regard it as a “little gem” and consider it perfect proof of why Thompson ranks amongst our most ‘exceptional’ performers.

Retired schoolteacher and widow Nancy Stokes (Thompson) employs young escort Leo Grande (McCormack) hoping to experience satisfying intimacy for the very first time. They rendezvous in her hotel suite where she reveals she has never achieved climax and has pledged since her husband’s passing two years prior never to pretend again.

He endeavours to reassure her regarding her bodily insecurities – an aspect Thompson also discussed during a film interview – and both characters share details about their personal circumstances, with Leo disclosing his family remains unaware of his profession.

During their second hotel encounter, Nancy presents Leo with a wish list of intimate experiences she desires to fulfil that she has never previously explored, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/heartbreaking-movie-starring-emma-thompson-36408422″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

Under Sophie Hyde’s direction, this sex comedy-drama debuted in 2022 to widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers particularly commending the leading performances. Thompson and McCormack both earned British Academy Film Award nominations, whilst Thompson secured a Golden Globe nod for Best Actress.

Film enthusiasts have lavished praise upon the production on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts an impressive 94% approval rating.

One reviewer wrote: “Widowed middle aged woman (Thompson) seeks experience with sex worker. It could so easily have been tasteless but succeeds in examining human relationships with wit and subtlety. A perfect engaging script and impeccable acting. This is a little gem of a film.”

Another fan highlighted the exceptional performances: “Emma Thompson is one of the great actors, and this movie demonstrates the reason,” they said. “Her co-star is equally engaging. The producer and director also have filmed this in a way that does not detract from the characters and character development in any way. In all, brilliantly done by all.”

A third viewer championed the film’s deeper meaning: “This is a heartbreaking and wholesome movie that is full of charm from start to end. The characters feel real and the commentary is strong but not aggressive.”