Breaking Glass Pictures is proud to announce the US release of the LGBTQ+ family drama JUMP, DARLING, starring Oscar and BAFTA award-winning actress Cloris Leachman, who passed away in January at the age of 94, in a performance praised by critics in this worthy swan-song for the Hollywood legend.
JUMP, DARLING tells the story of aspiring actor Russell (newcomer Thomas Duplessie), aka drag persona Fishy Falters. After a disastrous non-debut at Toronto drag club Peckers, Russell leaves his status-conscious boyfriend and takes shelter with his grandmother Margaret (Leachman) in Canadian wine country. Margaret is a woman coming to terms with her own mortality while determined to hang on to her independence.
While Russell struggles to establish himself at the local dive bar and flirts with Zachary, the not-so-straight busboy, Margaret fends off the best intentions of her daughter, Russell’s mom (Linda Kash), who wants to keep her safe by sending her to a retirement home. As tempers wear thin and family secrets are revealed, Russell and Margaret fight to maintain their dignity while being true to themselves.
Loved this movie, Loved Cloris Leachman, and Loved Thomas Duplessie. Very solid performances from everyone in this movie. This movie also has a great soundtrack.
Cloris Leachman’s character’s end-of-life decisions are very moving, and you find yourself rooting for Thomas Duplessie’s character to find success in his insecure attempts to move forward in his life and career. Thomas Duplessie does an excellent job portraying his character Russell, and his drag persona Fishy Falters.
You will LIKE this movie!
The initial seeds for JUMP, DARLING were two parallel tracks: Connell’s experience with end-of-life care conversations with his grandmother and his experience choosing life as an artist. “Over a period of years, my late grandmother struggled with how to prepare for her ‘decline’ –be it physical or mental,” shares Connell. “It was ‘the’ topic of conversation each time I would visit her. Meanwhile, I was struggling to maintain my resolve – against the forces and voices of self-doubt that every artist faces – and wanted to explore that in the distinctly queer context of drag.”
Written and directed by Connell, the film stars newcomer Thomas Duplessie alongside Leachman, with a supporting cast including Linda Kash (Best in Show), Jayne Eastwood (Chicago) and cameos from well-known drag queens Tynomi Banks (featured recently on Canada’s Drag Race), Fay Slift and Miss Fiercalicious. The film showcases six on-screen drag performances against a pop soundtrack including Robyn, Allie X, Rough Trade, Years & Years, and more. The film is produced by Katie Corbridge (An Acquired Taste), Executive Produced by Karen Harnisch (White Lie), and Allison Black (Giant Little Ones).
LGBTQ+ movie, JUMP, DARLING held its International Premiere at BFI FLARE and its US Premiere at Frameline (San Francisco) followed by OutFest (Los Angeles) where Leachman received a Jury Award Special Mention for performance. Racking up multiple awards along the way, the film has played dozens of festivals worldwide including NewFest: The New York LGBT Film Festival, Chicago Reeling, Virginia Film Festival, Phoenix Film Festival, Cinema Diverse: The Gay and Lesbian Film Festival of Palm Springs, and FilmOut San Diego.
Additional market premieres include Lover’s FF (Italy), Pink Apple FF (Sweden), Melbourne Queer FF (Australia), and the Seoul International Pride FF (Korea). The film’s World Premiere was a Special Preview Drive-In Presentation hosted by production partner Inside Out Film Festival (Toronto).
“Cloris Leachman delivers a powerful performance, and newcomer Thomas Duplessie dazzles as her grandson who struggles to find his place in the world”, said Motisko. “Breaking Glass is honored to count Jump, Darling as part of its extensive and diverse LGBTQ lineup”.
Cloris Leachman won both an Academy Award and a BAFTA Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Last Picture Show and holds the record for the most Prime-time Emmy acting nominations in history – 22. She is best known for her role as Phyllis on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, played to such great success that it led to her television series spinoff, Phyllis.
“Cloris was an icon and an ally,” said Connell. “To work with her, to know her, and now to share her final leading performance with the world is a true honor.”
Jump, Darling is available on DVD and digital platforms including iTunes/Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, Vimeo, DirecTV, Dish/Dish Digital, and through local cable & satellite providers.