Jimpa Review: A Queer Family Drama with Indulgent Charm and Uncertain Tone
The film Jimpa, directed by Sophie Hyde and starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, is a queer family drama that attempts to strike a balance between autobiography and autofiction. While it boasts committed performances from Colman and Lithgow, the film's tone and narrative choices leave much to be desired.
The story centers around Adelaide-based filmmaker Hannah (Colman), who, along with her husband and non-binary child Frances (played by Aud Mason-Hyde), travels to Amsterdam to visit her charismatic and life-affirming father, Jim (Lithgow). Jim, a gay man who came out in the early 1970s, has lived in Amsterdam as a radical lecturer and activist, advocating for issues like housing and HIV.
Frances idolizes Jim as a queer role model, but the film takes an unexpected turn when Jim dismisses 'queer' and 'bi' as evasive and insipid terms that undermine the rights for which his generation fought. This salty argument is a rare moment of tension in the film, which otherwise maintains a placid and conflict-free narrative, emphasizing 'kindness'.
The coming-of-age aspects of the film, focusing on Frances' experiences, work better, but the overall tone remains uncertain. Despite the strong performances, Jimpa feels indulgent and lacks the spark that Hyde's previous work, particularly her 2019 comedy Animals, showcased. The use of a disposable roll-film camera for soulful photos by the teen female lead adds an element of insufferability, further highlighting the film's uncertain tone.
In conclusion, Jimpa is a film that struggles to find its footing, with a narrative that is both indulgent and uncertain. While the performances are commendable, the film's tone and narrative choices leave it feeling underwhelming. Hyde's attempt to blend autobiography and autofiction with a focus on family and queerness results in a film that, while well-intentioned, fails to capture the spark and edge that make a truly memorable cinematic experience.
