Olivia Colman, the acclaimed actress, is sharing her thoughts on gender identity, revealing she has never felt “massively feminine” and often considers herself “sort of nonbinary.” In a candid discussion, Colman reflects on her personal experiences and her latest film, Jimpa, while delving into themes of identity and belonging. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on gender and the varied roles she has embraced throughout her career. This article explores Colman’s connection with her character in Jimpa, her views on gender identity, and the broader implications for society.
The Story of Jimpa
In the thought-provoking film Jimpa, released on February 6, Olivia Colman plays Hannah, a character navigating complex family dynamics. The story follows Hannah as she takes her nonbinary teenager, Frances (portrayed by Aud Mason-Hyde), to Amsterdam to visit her father Jimpa—played by John Lithgow—a man who has come out as gay. When Frances expresses a desire to stay with Jimpa for a year abroad, Hannah must confront her parenting beliefs and family narratives.
Colman’s involvement in Jimpa resonates with her personal journey. She expressed deep gratitude in an interview with Them, conducted alongside Jimpa’s director Sophie Hyde. Colman shared how being embraced by the queer community through various projects has been profoundly meaningful to her. “I find the most loving and the most beautiful stories are from that community,” she stated, acknowledging the honor of being welcomed.
Exploring Nonbinary Identity
Olivia Colman’s role in Jimpa has particular significance due to her personal exploration of identity. “Throughout my whole life, I’ve had arguments with people where I’ve always felt sort of nonbinary,” Colman openly expressed. She hesitates to label herself directly but describes feeling at home within various aspects of gender identity. Colman humorously shared how she often tells her husband, Ed Sinclair, that she identifies more as a gay man, to which he responds supportively.
Supporting Colman’s sentiments, director Sophie Hyde elaborated on the challenges of traditional gender roles. She noted how societal constraints don’t always resonate with everyone, leading many to question binary notions of gender. “It doesn’t necessarily fit for all of us,” Hyde commented, highlighting the struggles and limitations imposed by traditional gender expectations.
Challenging Gender Expectations
Colman further reflected on how societal expectations impact men as well. She described how within her marriage, both she and her husband alternate between being the “strong one” and needing compassion. This dynamic illustrates her belief in the fluidity of gender roles and the presence of varied traits within individuals. “I’ve always felt like that,” she explained, emphasizing her realization that she is not alone in rejecting binary gender categorizations.
Her experiences during the making of Jimpa solidified her sense of belonging and validation within the nonbinary conversation. Colman chooses roles that speak to her personally, aiming to contribute to films that tell meaningful stories about identity and community.
