Jimpa

Jimpa, dir. Sophie Hyde, 2025, Australia/Netherlands/Finland, 123 min., in English with small portions in Dutch or Finnish with subtitles 💖
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 7:00 pm, Toni Rembe Theater

Jimpa
photo: Mark De Blok; cropped from original

Director Sophie Hyde created a fictionalized account of her own family, including her father, Jim, who mashed “Grandpa Jim” into “Jimpa,” played by John Lithgow; herself, renamed Hannah, played by Olivia Colman; and her teenage non-binary child Frances, played by her actual teenage non-binary child Aud. Of course, more than just the names were changed, but the core of the story is about a gay grandfather and his non-binary “grand-thing.” Hannah and Frances go to visit Jimpa in Amsterdam, and Frances wants to stay on, forcing Hannah to confront her views about the appropriateness of letting them stay, as well as some past issues, particularly with Jimpa.

John Lithgow and Olivia Colman shine as the main characters, and the rest of the cast is also excellent. The story is decidedly unusual, blending themes of aging parents, teenagers coming of age, and general family dynamics. It’s all a compelling ride, well worth seeing (expect a commercial release after it’s done on the festival circuit), definitely a must see.

• IMDb • trailer • official website • Instagram: @Jimpa_Film •