The film follows Hannah (Colman) as she travels to Amsterdam with her non-binary teenager, Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde), to visit her estranged gay father, Jim (Lithgow), whom Frances affectionately calls 'Jimpa'. The trip takes an unexpected turn when Frances announces a desire to stay in Amsterdam with their grandfather for a year, compelling Hannah to confront unresolved issues from her own past and re-evaluate her relationship with both her father and her child.
A Story with Deeply Personal Roots
The narrative is drawn from the personal history of its director, Sophie Hyde. The film is a fictionalised exploration of her own family's experience after her father came out as gay while married to her mother. This authentic foundation is further strengthened by the casting of Hyde's own non-binary child, Aud Mason-Hyde, in the role of Frances. Critics have noted their performance as a standout, bringing a quiet and compelling presence to the screen.
In a recent interview, director Sophie Hyde explained that while all her films contain personal elements, Jimpa is the most explicitly so, recreating her family structure and stories to explore themes of love, acceptance, and the ways families evolve.
The Dutch Connection
For audiences in the Netherlands, the film holds particular relevance. Much of the story unfolds in Amsterdam, and scenes were filmed on location in the city. Jimpa is an official co-production between Australia, Finland, and the Netherlands, with Dutch company Viking Film involved in its production. The distribution in the Netherlands is handled by Cinéart, and the cast includes respected Dutch actor Hans Kesting in a supporting role.
Cast and Critical Reception
The film rests on the strong performances of its lead actors. Olivia Colman and John Lithgow are widely praised for their sensitive portrayals of a daughter and father navigating a complicated history. The cast also includes notable Australian actors Kate Box and Daniel Henshall.
Since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, Jimpa has received mixed reviews. Most critics agree that the performances are a major strength, but some have found the plot to be somewhat unfocused as it navigates its various subplots. However, many reviews praise the film's gentle approach and its commitment to depicting an intergenerational queer family with unconditional love and support, suggesting that family drama can exist and be compelling without relying on intense conflict.
Ultimately, Jimpa presents a thoughtful portrait of a modern queer family learning to listen to one another and stay connected across generations and continents.
