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 have patience for slow-burn family dramas that prioritize authentic conversation over plot momentum and appreciate Olivia Colman's neurotic charm, this delivers genuine emotional moments without forced sentimentality. If you need tighter pacing or clear narrative direction, the meandering 2+ hour runtime and deliberately unresolved family 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
