The Persian Version (2023) Comedy Movie Review
Leila, also known as Layla Mohammadi, dashes through the street wearing a burqa and mismatched swim bottoms in the opening scene of "The Persian Version." In this film by writer/director Maryam Keshavarz, the tone is set right away with a mix of humor and discomfort. Leila, the daughter of Iranian-American immigrants and the only girl among nine siblings, grapples with the pressure of balancing two different cultures.
As the family gathers in New York for her father's heart transplant, Leila finds herself in close quarters with her mother, with whom she has a complicated relationship. The discovery of a long-held secret adds another layer to their dynamics, revealing the fractures in their family foundation. "The Persian Version" uses this backdrop to delve into Leila's experience of growing up in a cross-cultural environment and reflects on her mother's life, exploring themes of generational trauma and womanhood.
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The film maintains a lively and engaging atmosphere, skillfully blending humor and heartfelt moments. Through quirky fourth wall breaks and witty one-liners, the movie achieves a sense of intimacy in its comedy. The sharp writing and shifts in tone serve to highlight the emotional depth rather than detracting from it. Leila, a queer woman navigating the expectations of her mother's traditional femininity, takes center stage throughout the film. Each laugh contributes to the character development, enriching the emotional journey of "The Persian Version." In this film, comedy is not just a tool but an integral part of its core message.
Mohammadi shines in her role as Leila in "The Persian Version," effortlessly capturing both your heart and laughter in the same scene. Her down-to-earth performance creates a sense of closeness, whether she's engaging in a witty banter with a one-night stand or seeking acceptance from her mother. The filmmaking complements Mohammadi's grounded portrayal, making us feel like we're right there in the moments rather than distant observers.
Niousha Noor delivers an outstanding performance as Shireen, Leila's mother, evoking a mix of pain and precision. Shireen's flaws become more nuanced as the film unfolds, revealing the motivations behind her judgments and the memories that shape her actions. Noor portrays Shireen with empathy and care, establishing a strong emotional connection alongside Mohammadi.
"The Persian Version" explores this family dynamic from various angles, authentically depicting flawed communication, trauma projection, and sarcastic love. It delves into the generational and cultural divides between mother and daughter, highlighting the daughter's struggle to see her parents as human, with their own imperfections and evolving contexts. The film acknowledges the challenging realization that parents deserve grace, emphasizing a subjective and bewildering shift in perspective.
The use of frequent narration through fourth wall breaks and voiceovers reinforces the film's commitment to letting these women tell their stories. While the narrative remains intact, the occasional jostling in the timeline and perspective, coupled with snappy pacing, can disrupt the film's flow.
"The Persian Version" serves as a portrait of a daughter through her mother's history, tackling the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. It doesn't shy away from acknowledging both the love and pain present in these connections. With charming childhood scenes, poignant flashbacks to rural Iran, and hilariously uncomfortable confrontations, the film authentically captures the spectrum of family dynamics. The narrative emphasizes the radical act of asserting agency in a world filled with expectations, giving equal importance to the moments of laughter that inspire us to keep moving forward.