The family dramedy Jimpa explores the emotional intergenerational journey of a gay grandpa reconnecting with his grandkid.
The luminous Olivia Colman plays “Hannah,” a filmmaker interested in making a feature about her father’s life, so she arranges a family trip to the Dutch capital where he now lives.
In addition to her cinematic aspirations, she also hopes it might be an opportunity for her teen Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde)— who recently came out as nonbinary—to bond with their grandpa.
Along the way, Grandpa Jim (John Lithgow) decides he doesn’t like being called “grandpa” because it makes him feel old, preferring instead to be called “Jimpa.”
The official synopsis reads:
Filmmaker Hannah (Olivia Colman) takes her trans nonbinary teenager Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde) to Amsterdam to visit their gay grandfather, lovingly known as “Jimpa” (John Lithgow).
When Frances expresses a desire to stay with Jimpa for a year abroad, Hannah is forced to reconsider her parenting beliefs and the stories she has long told about her family.
As Jimpa faces the difficulties of aging as a gay man in a generation that never expected to grow old and Frances grapples with the disappointment of heroes falling short of their ideals, Hannah learns to navigate the differing perspectives of her father and her child.
A scene from “Jimpa” (promo photo)Inspired by her own experiences as part of a queer family, this intimate, authentic film from acclaimed filmmaker Sophie Hyde (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) is her most personal story yet.
Told with empathy, humor, compassion, and joy, Jimpa celebrates the unique loves and challenges of a modern queer family across three generations.
Critics have raved about the film:
“John Lithgow’s richest role since The World According to Garp. Sophie Hyde’s Jimpa is a film about progress, not going back… Captures — and celebrates — the ripple effects of the Sexual Revolution across three generations.”
– Peter Debruge, VARIETY
“A very personal and sweet film about love, empathy, curiosity, and connection. Mason-Hyde is great and brings real authenticity to the role. One can safely bet that Jimpa will soon become a go-to comfort movie for many queer people and their families.”
– Mey Rude, OUT MAGAZINE
“Led by layered performances from Colman and Lithgow, Jimpa is an affectionate, perceptive observation about the quiet difficulties of family. This gentle, emotionally candid story exudes a welcome messiness.”
– Tim Grierson, SCREEN DAILY
Following its world premiere at Sundance & screening at festivals all over the world, Jimpa opens in select theaters on February 6 then expanding to nationwide release.
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