Breaking Glass Pictures released the official trailer for Jump,Darling, the LGBTQ+ family drama starring Oscar and BAFTA award-winning actress Cloris Leachman, who passed away in January, 2021 at the age of 94. The film opens in select theaters on March 18 and on DVD, digital on March 29.
Written and directed by Connell, the film stars newcomer Thomas Duplessie alongside Leachman, with 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. .
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.
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.”
Jump,Darling held its International Premiere at BFI FLARE and US Premiere at Frameline (San Francisco) followed by OutFest (Los Angeles) where Leachman received a Jury Award Special Mention for performance.
“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.”
Watch the official trailer for Jump,Darling.