Jimpa
The brief
Sophie Hyde follows up her provocative *Good Luck to You, Leo Grande* with something more tender but equally interested in how families navigate uncomfortable truths. Olivia Colman delivers her familiar blend of neurotic energy and unexpected vulnerability as a mother watching her teenager drift toward independence, while John Lithgow brings genuine warmth to the grandfather role without falling into sentimental traps. The Amsterdam setting gives everything a sun-dappled, almost holiday-like atmosphere that makes the family tensions feel both intimate and expansive. It moves at the pace of actual conversation - sometimes meandering, sometimes hitting emotional beats that catch you off guard. Perfect for anyone who loved *20th Century Women* or thinks family dramedies work best when they resist tidy resolutions.
The verdict
If you love patient family dramedies that prioritize authentic conversations over plot mechanics, this tender showcase for Olivia Colman's neurotic-yet-vulnerable performance delivers the same thoughtful character work as *20th Century Women*. If you need your family dramas to build toward clear emotional payoffs or can't handle a leisurely 2+ hour runtime, the meandering pace and deliberately unresolved tensions will likely frustrate you.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Parents navigating teen independence
- 👫 Anyone seeking gentle LGBTQ+ stories
- 👤 Those wanting slow-burn family drama
- ⚠️ Viewers preferring fast-paced plots
Heads up
- Family conflict and emotional tension (moderate)
- Discussions of gender identity and sexuality (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Sophie Hyde
- Cast
- Olivia Colman, John Lithgow, Aud Mason-Hyde, Daniel Henshall, Kate Box, Eamon Farren, Hans Kesting
Official synopsis
Hannah takes her nonbinary teenager, Frances, to Amsterdam to visit their gay grandfather, Jim — lovingly known
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with A Private Life (2025)
Both explore family secrets and generational relationships through intimate character studies.
Total runtime: 2h 3m + 1h 48m = 3h 51m
