In the landscape of contemporary family dramas, Jimpa emerges as a deeply personal and emotionally resonant film that captures the messy beauty of multigenerational queer relationships. Directed by Sophie Hyde and released in 2025, this intimate story draws from the filmmaker’s own experiences, blending warmth, humor, and quiet heartache against the vibrant backdrop of Amsterdam. At its core, the narrative follows a family’s reunion that unearths long-buried emotions, challenging notions of parenting, identity, and forgiveness while celebrating the evolving nature of love across generations.

The plot centers on Hannah, an Australian filmmaker navigating midlife and creative struggles, who travels to Amsterdam with her non-binary teenager Frances to visit her aging father, Jim—affectionately nicknamed “Jimpa” by Frances. What begins as a straightforward family visit spirals into profound upheaval when Frances announces their desire to stay with Jimpa for a year, seeking a sense of belonging in Amsterdam’s diverse queer community that feels absent back home in Australia.

Jimpa, a charismatic gay activist who came out later in life and built a liberated existence in the Netherlands, embodies joy and independence but grapples with declining health. His revelation of vulnerability shocks the family, prompting Hannah’s sister to join from afar as decisions about care loom. Hannah, long avoiding confrontation, must reckon with her complicated feelings about her father’s past choices—leaving the family when she was young to live authentically. Interwoven flashbacks and Hannah’s own film project about her parents’ marriage force her to confront idealized stories she’s told herself and Frances.

The story unfolds with gentle pacing, highlighting everyday moments: canal walks, lively dinners with Jimpa’s eclectic friends, and candid conversations about pronouns, sexuality, and legacy. Generational tensions arise naturally—Jimpa’s old-school activism clashes with Frances’ modern understanding of gender—yet the film emphasizes connection over conflict. A pivotal health crisis intensifies emotions, leading to raw confessions and reconciliations that affirm chosen family ties. With humor balancing poignancy, the narrative explores themes of acceptance, the courage to live openly, and how families rewrite histories to heal.

The Amsterdam setting contrasts with glimpses of Australian life, amplifying feelings of displacement and discovery. Ultimately, the film portrays love as imperfect and evolving, reminding viewers that family stories often contain contradictions waiting to be embraced.

The characters form a richly nuanced trio at the heart of the drama. Hannah is a complex woman suppressing past hurts behind a facade of openness. Her journey involves acknowledging resentment toward her father’s departure while embracing his influence on her progressive values.

Frances, the non-binary teenager, radiates curiosity and vulnerability, yearning for community and autonomy. Their bold decision to extend the stay challenges parental authority, highlighting adolescent identity formation amid family dynamics.

Jimpa is a larger-than-life figure—hedonistic, witty, and unapologetic—whose vibrancy masks regrets and fears of aging. His warmth draws Frances closer, but his occasional missteps with modern queer terminology reveal generational gaps bridged by mutual affection.

Supporting roles enrich the ensemble: Hannah’s supportive husband provides stability, while Jimpa’s circle of friends and lovers adds layers of chosen family. Hannah’s sister brings external perspective during crises, underscoring sibling bonds strained by history.

These characters avoid stereotypes, their flaws and affections rendering them profoundly relatable in a story about imperfect love.

The performances elevate the material to heartfelt authenticity. Olivia Colman delivers a masterful turn as Hannah, infusing the role with subtle emotional shifts—from guarded restraint to raw vulnerability. Her expressive eyes convey unspoken pain and joy, making Hannah’s internal conflicts palpable and earning acclaim for depth and warmth.

John Lithgow embodies Jimpa with exuberant charm and underlying fragility, capturing a man who seized freedom later in life. His liberated presence, including candid scenes of nudity, brings fearless honesty, blending humor with poignant reflection on legacy.

Aud Mason-Hyde, in a breakout debut as Frances, holds their own alongside the veterans. Their natural portrayal of teenage introspection and boldness grounds the film, adding authenticity drawn from personal parallels.

Supporting cast members, including Daniel Henshall as Hannah’s husband, Kate Box in a lively role, Cody Fern, and others, contribute seamless chemistry. The ensemble’s interactions feel lived-in, fostering the film’s sense of genuine familial warmth amid tensions.

Jimpa stands as a compassionate portrait of queer family life, blending personal introspection with universal themes. Its emotional depth, standout performances, and celebration of resilience make it a touching addition to dramas exploring identity and connection—one that lingers with quiet power.