Sophie Hyde’s new film, Jimpa, isn’t simply a family drama; it’s a tender exploration of love, acceptance, and the enduring complexities of familial bonds. Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, the film, based on Hyde’s own family story, has already resonated with audiences and critics alike for its nuanced portrayal of a father’s coming out and the ripple effects on his family. The film’s central theme – choosing love even amidst pain and uncertainty – is a message Hyde explicitly delivered to the audience at Sundance, urging viewers to practice “tenderness with each other until it becomes a habit.”
Jimpa follows Hannah, played by Olivia Colman, and her nonbinary teenager, Frances, as they travel to Amsterdam to visit Hannah’s gay father, Jim (John Lithgow), known as “Jimpa.” The visit takes an unexpected turn when Frances expresses a desire to spend a year living with their grandfather, forcing Hannah to confront her own past and re-evaluate her approach to parenting. The film delves into the challenges of navigating generational gaps, old wounds, and the evolving definitions of family in the 21st century.
The film’s emotional core is powerfully brought to life by the performances of Colman and Lithgow. According to reports from the Sundance premiere, Lithgow delivers a “spirited embodiment” of a fictionalized version of Hyde’s own father. He himself remarked during the post-premiere Q&A, grinning, “I perceive like there haven’t been enough movies about the beauty and agony of being in love… And now I’m in one!”
A Personal Story on Screen
Jimpa is deeply rooted in Hyde’s personal experience. The film is inspired by her father, Jim Hyde, coming out as gay to his wife even as they were raising young children. Hyde’s decision to draw from her own life adds a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to the narrative. Adding to this personal connection, Aud Mason-Hyde, Hyde’s own child, portrays Frances, Hannah’s nonbinary teenager, in the film. This casting choice underscores the film’s exploration of identity and acceptance across generations.
The story doesn’t shy away from complex themes. Beyond the initial revelation of Jimpa’s sexuality, the film explores the dynamics of a family grappling with his declining health and Frances’s own journey of self-discovery, including exploring new physical and emotional experiences within a polyamorous relationship built on enthusiastic consent. This multifaceted approach to storytelling allows Jimpa to resonate with a broad audience, prompting reflection on the many forms love and family can take.
Cast and Production Details
The film boasts a strong cast, including Olivia Colman as Hannah, John Lithgow as Jim/”Jimpa,” and Aud Mason-Hyde as Frances. Additional cast members include Bryn Chapman Parish as young Jim, Kate Box as Emily (Hannah’s sister), and Daniel Henshall as Harry. Jimpa is directed by Sophie Hyde and co-written with Matthew Cormack. The production involved Closer Films, Mad Ones Films, and Viking Film, with distribution handled by Kismet Movies (Australia) and Cinéart (Netherlands). The film had a limited theatrical release in the United States on February 5, 2026, and is set to open in Australian cinemas on February 19, 2026, according to Wikipedia.
Jimpa premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2025, and has since garnered attention for its sensitive and honest portrayal of family dynamics. Hyde’s call to action – to choose tenderness – serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating the complexities of human relationships. The film’s exploration of these themes, coupled with its strong performances and personal roots, positions it as a significant contribution to contemporary cinema.
As Jimpa expands its release, audiences will have the opportunity to experience this moving story firsthand. The film’s exploration of love, acceptance, and the enduring power of family promises to spark essential conversations and exit a lasting impact.
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