Film Review: Jimmy (2026)

“Before He Became an American Icon, He Was an American Hero: The Untold Courage, Faith, and Sacrifice of Jimmy Stewart.”

Discovering the Man Behind the Hollywood Legend

Most cinephiles and classic film fans believe they know everything there is to know about Hollywood royalty Jimmy Stewart. We know the boyish charm, the drawling Pennsylvania cadence, and the timeless filmography that defined the Golden Age of cinema. Having recently screened an early cut of the upcoming theatrical biopic Jimmy (hitting theaters nationwide November 6th), I walked away with a profound realization: for all that I thought I knew about Stewart, this film proved just how little of his true depth and sacrifice has actually been told on the silver screen.

Jimmy doesn’t simply rehash the glitz and glamour of vintage Tinseltown; it pulls back the curtain on a pivotal, defining chapter in American history that reshaped Stewart’s soul forever.

Leaving Hollywood Glamour for the Frontlines

The timing of Stewart’s military enlistment remains one of the most astonishing chapters of his life. He had literally just taken home the Academy Award for Best Actor for The Philadelphia Story when his draft notice arrived. At the absolute pinnacle of fame, dating some of the most glamorous starlets in Hollywood and commanding box-office royalty, almost any other man in his position would have allowed powerful studio heads to pull strings, arrange deferments, or assign him to safe promotional morale tours stateside.

Jimmy Stewart wasn’t just any ordinary man.

Driven by an unshakable moral conviction, Stewart walked away from the red carpets, the studio lot pampering, and the intoxicating peak of fame to serve his country in combat. Director Aaron Burns and his creative team do a tremendous job chronicling this grueling journey through the armed forces. Stewart didn’t hide in an office: he earned his wings, rising from an initial private/lieutenant assignment to squadron commander and ultimately Colonel during World War II (later retiring as a Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserve).

The film captures the relentless intensity of his 20 combat bomber missions over Nazi-occupied Europe at the controls of B-24 Liberators. The flight sequences are visceral and harrowing, placing you right in the freezing cockpit where split-second decisions meant life or death for his entire crew.

A Career-Defining Performance by KJ Apa

Carrying a historical titan of this stature is no small feat, but New Zealand actor KJ Apa delivers a transcendent, career-defining performance as Stewart. Faith-based audiences will immediately recognize Apa from his moving portrayal of Christian music artist Jeremy Camp in the 2020 hit film I Still Believe, but what he accomplishes here takes his craft to an entirely new stratosphere.

Apa completely disappears into the role, capturing not just Stewart’s visual posture and mannerisms, but nailing Jimmy’s signature hesitant, earnest vocal drawl with pinpoint authenticity—never letting it devolve into caricature.

What elevates Apa’s performance into something truly extraordinary is how he balances Stewart’s proud American patriotism with the silent, agonizing toll of warfare. The film pulls no punches in showcasing Stewart’s post-war struggle with what we now recognize as severe PTSD: the sleepless nights, survivor’s guilt, trembling hands, and the disorientation of trading bomb runs over Germany for sterile studio soundstages. Apa portrays this inner turmoil with staggering emotional vulnerability. While faith-based and biographical period dramas are often unfairly overlooked during awards season, make no mistake: KJ Apa delivers an Oscar-caliber performance worthy of an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

A Stellar Supporting Ensemble

Surrounding Apa is an exceptional cast that enriches every single corner of Stewart’s world:

• Neal McDonough brings fierce emotional gravitas as Jimmy’s stern yet deeply loving father, Alexander Stewart.

• Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) is brilliantly cast as legendary MGM studio boss Louis B. Mayer, capturing the ruthless business instincts and paternalistic control of classic studio machinery.

• Christopher McDonald brings delightful presence as screen icon Lionel Barrymore (grand-uncle of Drew Barrymore).

• Julian Works shines as Second Lieutenant Martinez, grounding the perilous camaraderie and loyalty among Jimmy’s bomber crew.

• Real-life Marine Corps Reserve veteran Rob Riggle brings commanding authenticity to the role of Colonel Terrill.

• Sarah Drew delivers a sharp, formidable turn as feared Hollywood gossip queen Hedda Hopper.

• Jen Lilley brings genuine warmth, grace, and steady emotional anchoring as Gloria Hatrick Stewart, the woman who would become the love of Jimmy’s life and his rock through his post-war years.

One of the film’s most captivating dynamics, however, belongs to Kara Killmer as British aristocrat Lady Julia. Television viewers know Killmer well from her memorable, multi-season run as paramedic Sylvie Brett on NBC’s Chicago Fire (a personal favorite in our household—my wife Shannon watched faithfully and absolutely loved Kara’s character). Here, Killmer brings that same warmth, dignity, and screen magnetism to an entirely different era.

While historical records acknowledge that Stewart struck up a meaningful friendship with a local aristocratic woman during his deployment stationed in England—even if historians debate the precise identity and name—director Aaron Burns and his team craft a relationship that feels wholly authentic and grounded. Lady Julia becomes Stewart’s trusted wartime confidante, providing a sanctuary of civilized conversation, quiet reflection, and spiritual sanity amidst the chaos of the European air war. Killmer infuses the role with poise, intelligence, and deep empathy, creating one of the film’s most touching and memorable narrative arcs.

The Road to George Bailey and It’s A Wonderful Life

Following the war, a shattered Stewart wondered if he could ever act again. Enter his longtime friend, visionary director Frank Capra—played masterfully by character actor Max Casella.

The film beautifully documents their post-WWII reunion as Capra pitches Stewart on a heartfelt story about a small-town man on the brink of suicide: It’s A Wonderful Life. Pouring all his unhealed wartime grief, vulnerability, and rediscovered gratitude into the role of George Bailey, Stewart finds redemption. Without spoiling the film’s climax, Apa’s recreation of that pivotal, soul-baring chapter is one of the most emotional, tear-inducing scenes put to screen this year. It stands as a powerful testament to how Stewart discovered what truly matters in this life.

Natural Faith, Universal Truth

Many moviegoers will understandably wonder how Jimmy handles its spiritual elements. Faith was an undeniable cornerstone of the real Jimmy Stewart’s upbringing and wartime survival—from the 91st Psalm tucked into his uniform pocket by his father to his quiet prayers in the cockpit. What makes Aaron Burns’ direction so refreshing is that the faith elements never feel forced, heavy-handed, or preachy. The film allows Stewart’s faith to breathe naturally within the context of his circumstances, struggles, and doubts. As a result, Jimmy is a film that will speak powerfully to believers and non-believers alike.

The Verdict: A Must-See Theatrical Experience

From opening frame to closing credits, Jimmy is an absolute cinematic gem. It is an exhilarating, deeply moving tribute that transcends the traditional biopic formula to challenge audiences: What are we willing to stand for? What are we truly capable of when duty calls us to put others ahead of ourselves?

Do not wait for streaming. Experience this inspiring true-life story on the big screen where its breathtaking flight sequences and sweeping emotional heart belong.

Make plans to see Jimmy in theaters on Opening Day: Friday, November 6th!

5/5

A Special Note for Military Veterans

In a wonderful tribute to our armed forces, free tickets to see Jimmy in theaters are being made available (while supplies last) for verified veterans through VetTix.org. It is incredible to see the filmmakers and distribution partners honoring those who have worn the uniform by giving them an opportunity to experience this story on the big screen at no cost. Having a Marine Corps veteran of 11+ years under our own roof with my wife Shannon, I know firsthand just how meaningful gestures like this are to military families. If you or a loved one are registered with Vet Tix, be sure to claim your tickets while availability lasts!

Exclusive Interviews & Behind-the-Scenes Conversations

(Stay tuned for our exclusive on-camera conversations with the cast and director!)

• [Interview Placeholder: Aaron Burns, Director] — Discussion with Director Aaron Burns on bringing Stewart’s untold wartime journey to life.

• [Interview Placeholder: Kara Killmer (“Lady Julia”)] — Kara Killmer details finding the heart of Lady Julia and sharing the screen with KJ Apa.

• [Interview Placeholder: Jen Lilley (“Gloria Stewart”)] — Jen Lilley discusses portraying Gloria Stewart and Jimmy’s post-war road to love and redemption.