JIMPA

The story of Hannah mirrors that of the film's director, producer and co-writer Sophie Hyde. She says the film isn't about the political or cultural challenges faced by people in the LGBTQIA+ community; instead, it's "about people in a family, filled with nuanced expressions of themselves, trying to live authentically, to be with each other, to allow for each other." And on the whole, that's true - while Jim and Frances are both very passionate about their positions in the world, they live with a freedom and exuberance, and their family are wholly supportive of who they are - and everyone seems all the richer for it. It's nice to see queerness not made an "issue", but just a natural interwoven part of a family.

It does, however, touch on the battle that those of Jim's generation went through to give LGBTQIA+ people a voice and a presence, as well as how the tragic period of AIDS affected him, with Jim himself being HIV positive. Frances is a paradox: privileged in her world because of the path Jim and others like him have forged, yet fighting for a new level of understanding through concepts like non-binary and polyamory.

We also see how Jim's actions have affected Hannah. When her father told her mother that he was gay, they made the decision to remain close and continue to co-parent their children. However, when Hannah was 13 years old, Jim made the move to Amsterdam, leaving his family in Adelaide. When referring to her script, Hannah frequently mentions that the story doesn't need "conflict". It's blatant denial, clear that she hasn't ever fully dealt with her father deserting her at a pivotal moment in her life.

Another vital theme touched on throughout the film is growing old and how children handle it. Jim is recovering from a recent stroke, through which Hannah's sister, Emily (Kate Box, TV's 'Rake', 'The Little Death'), looked after him extensively. As health issues become more prevalent, heated discussions are had over how Jim should be cared for, with each sister certain they know best what his father wants. Even for a family as open and communicative as this, such a serious discussion is never had in detail (and solidified in writing).

While the film is filled with great levity, it becomes increasingly heavy as the story progresses. Particularly when it comes to managing the process of growing old, the full power of the story is revealed. It's also when the true deftness of Olivia Colman and John Lithgow are fully wielded, bringing the heartbreaking end of this script to life.

While both of these headliners are in fine form throughout the film, the credit goes to the entire family unit. It feels natural and authentic, and it is beautiful to watch the way they interact with one another. Aud Mason-Hyde, Sophie's real-life child, holds their own against these big names and doesn't at any moment allow Frances feel diminished among these impressive co-stars.

The strong family cohesion no doubt comes from Sophie Hyde's work with her cast; the fact that this is such a personal piece for her (as well as Aud) must have meant a strong level of investment from her, which has rippled throughout the entire cast and crew. Sophie says she wishes Aud had been able to learn more from her grandfather, and in a way, this is her offering of that opportunity to them, but it also feels like a cathartic way to process the "conflict" she never faced with her own father. The film is also exquisitely lensed by Matthew Chuang ('Of An Age', 'You Won't Be Alone', 'Blue Bayou'), who's quietly becoming one of Australia's top indie cinematographers.

An extraordinarily private story exploring the happiness and heartache of a family, 'Jimpa' honours an imperfect yet highly principled man clearly cherished by director Sophie Hyde. Her work with Olivia Colman and John Lithgow is a momentously moving organism filled with great life and love. Offering a unique perspective on those we keep close to us in our lives and the way we choose to accept them, 'Jimpa' is both a powerful and tender snapshot of the unconventional family dynamic.