The quiet power of family, the complexities of identity, and the enduring require for tenderness are at the heart of Jimpa, a new drama from writer-director Sophie Hyde that premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film, starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, is rooted in Hyde’s own family history, exploring the ripple effects of a father’s late-in-life coming out. As Jimpa receives a limited theatrical release in the United States on February 5, 2026, and prepares for its Australian debut on February 19, 2026, it’s sparking conversations about love, acceptance, and the courage to live authentically.
Jimpa centers on Hannah, played by Colman, and her nonbinary teenager, Frances, portrayed by Aud Mason-Hyde, Hyde’s own child. Their journey takes them to Amsterdam to visit Hannah’s father, Jim (Lithgow), known affectionately as “Jimpa.” The visit unfolds as Frances expresses a desire to spend a year living with their grandfather, a request that forces Hannah to confront her own past and re-evaluate her understanding of parenthood. The film isn’t simply a story about a father coming out; it’s a multi-generational exploration of how families navigate change, heartbreak, and the ongoing process of choosing each other.
A Personal Story on Screen
The film’s deeply personal origins are central to its emotional resonance. Hyde co-wrote the screenplay with Matthew Cormack, drawing directly from her own experiences after her father, Jim Hyde, came out as gay following years of marriage and raising a family. As Bailey Pennick reported from Sundance, Hyde centered the audience with a land acknowledgment before the premiere, stating, “I feel like my ancestors want me here…I think of all your ancestors, having us be here together to be excited about film, watching this movie about family together.” This connection to ancestry and shared experience underscores the film’s themes of legacy and belonging.
John Lithgow’s performance as Jimpa is described as “spirited,” embodying a fictionalized version of Hyde’s father. During a post-premiere Q&A, Lithgow remarked, “I feel like there haven’t been enough movies about the beauty and agony of being in love,” adding with a grin, “And now I’m in one!” This sentiment speaks to the film’s willingness to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion, acknowledging both the joy and the pain inherent in relationships.
Exploring Identity and Connection
Beyond the central family dynamic, Jimpa also delves into themes of identity and connection through the character of Frances. The film portrays Frances opening themselves up to new experiences with a polyamorous partner who prioritizes enthusiastic consent. This storyline adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and the evolving definitions of love and family. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying these experiences with nuance and sensitivity.
The cast also includes Bryn Chapman Parish as young Jim, Kate Box as Emily (Hannah’s sister), Daniel Henshall as Harry, Eamon Farren as Richard, and Deborah Kennedy as Katherine, among others. The ensemble cast contributes to the film’s rich tapestry of relationships and perspectives. The film was co-produced by Closer Films, Mad Ones Films, and Viking Film, with distribution handled by Kismet Movies in Australia and Cinéart in the Netherlands.
A Call for Tenderness
Sophie Hyde’s vision for Jimpa extends beyond simply telling a story; it’s a call to action. Before the film’s premiere, Hyde urged the audience to “be tender with each other until it becomes a habit.” This simple yet profound message encapsulates the film’s core message: that empathy, understanding, and compassion are essential for navigating the complexities of life and maintaining meaningful connections. The film’s 112-minute runtime offers a concentrated dose of this tenderness, inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the choices they make.
Jimpa is more than just a family drama; it’s a poignant exploration of what it means to choose love, even in the face of difficult truths and generational divides. The film’s limited release provides an opportunity to experience a story that resonates with universal themes of family, identity, and the enduring power of human connection.
As Jimpa continues its rollout in Australia and beyond, audiences will have the chance to engage with a film that asks difficult questions and offers a hopeful message about the possibility of healing and acceptance. The film’s next confirmed milestone is its Australian theatrical release on February 19, 2026.
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