Sophie Hyde's Jimpa Delivers Emotional Depth with Star-Studded Cast
South Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde has solidified her reputation as an indie cinema standout with her new film, Jimpa, which packs a significant emotional punch. Hyde's career trajectory accelerated when she won the best director award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014 for her coming-of-age drama, 52 Tuesdays. However, the film industry often moves slowly, with projects developing over years before reaching production and screens. This delay meant her early success fully materialized in 2019 when her follow-up, Animals, premiered at Sundance to glowing reviews, featuring Holliday Grainger and Alia Shawkat in lead roles.
From Indie Darling to Mainstream Acclaim
Now recognized as an indie wonder from Australia, Hyde achieved broader recognition with the 2022 film Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, a poignant sex comedy starring Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack. Thompson's Golden Globe nomination provided invaluable exposure for Hyde, enhancing her profile in the competitive film world. This increased visibility enabled Hyde to attract top-tier talent for her latest project, Jimpa, a deeply personal work loosely inspired by her own family. She successfully enlisted Oscar-winner Olivia Colman and Emmy-winner John Lithgow for key roles.
Hyde reflects on her growth as a director, stating, "It's been a really big learning curve for me. Everyone you work with brings something out in you and teaches you something, but people like that are at the top of their game, their craft is very strong. For instance, Emma Thompson is such a professional and humane person—she's generous and kind, yet takes no prisoners and is always ready to do the work."
Exploring Family Dynamics and Identity
Jimpa centers on a family with a non-binary teenager, Frances, who seeks to escape the claustrophobia of Adelaide and live with their grandfather, Jim, portrayed by John Lithgow, in Amsterdam. Jim has a complicated relationship with his daughter, Hannah, played by Olivia Colman, stemming from his decision to come out as gay during his marriage and leave the family home years earlier. This narrative mirrors Hyde's own father's experience, adding a layer of autobiographical truth to the film.
Adding a meta dimension to the project, Frances is played by Hyde's non-binary teenager, Aud Mason-Hyde, in their feature film debut. Mason-Hyde shares, "It was an incredible experience for a first feature film to have a major role and be thrown into the deep end with these heavyweight actors, who are also incredible people. John brings a big, theatrical energy, while Olivia is down-to-earth and willing to make a clown of herself. I got to watch and learn from both."
Filming and Thematic Depth
The movie was partially shot in South Australia in 2024, and Hyde acknowledges the autobiographical elements, particularly when Lithgow's character remarks on the challenges of making something of oneself in Adelaide. Hyde explains, "We were interested in the idea of being from a small place and whether the mythology of bigger places lives up to it. We're playing with those concepts and sometimes making a joke of ourselves and the world."
Jimpa approaches weighty issues—such as familial relationships and the evolution of queer culture—with a light touch, but it would be a mistake to consider it lightweight. The film delivers an emotional impact that feels especially relevant in today's social climate. Mason-Hyde notes, "We're in an interesting moment in LGBT and trans communities, facing backlash and overexposure. This film offers an opportunity for young activists to learn from older gay communities who endured similar adversity."
Currently in cinemas, Jimpa showcases Hyde's ability to blend personal storytelling with universal themes, supported by a talented cast and crew.
