A widow (Emma Thompson) hires an escort (Daryl McCormack) for four hotel encounters... and that sums up the story. What this film therefore stands or falls upon is the quality of writing , direction and performance, and Leo Grande scores highly in all areas. The age difference, gender issues and societal roles are covered well, and it is interesting to follow the subtle shifts as the film progresses. McCormack's calm, measured self-confidence is the perfect foil to Thompson's awkward repressed nervousness, and two performers complement each other very well indeed; the performances have moments of genuine emotional honesty that are a credit to both actors. It is very theatrical in style, setting and dialogue-heavy scenes, but it enables the two characters to breathe and develop most effectively. The witty script contrasts the mundane with bigger themes and has some great funny lines as well as some moments of well-realised emotional revelations, making this a very well-acted if small-scale observational piece.
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