The Persian Version
The Persian Version

Movie spotlight

The Persian Version

2023
Movie
108 min
English

When a large Iranian-American family gathers in New York City for the patriarch’s heart transplant, a family secret is uncovered and catapults the estranged mother and daughter into an exploration of the past.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users85%
Director: Maryam KeshavarzGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Layla, a queer Iranian-American woman, navigates the complexities of her identity and family relationships. After a drunken incident leads to a pregnancy, she is forced to confront her estranged mother and the secrets that have kept them apart. The film blends humor and heart as Layla seeks reconciliation and acceptance.

Critical Reception

The Persian Version was met with positive reviews, praised for its humor, emotional depth, and authentic portrayal of immigrant family dynamics and queer identity. Critics lauded Maryam Keshavarz's direction and the strong performances from its lead actors.

What Reviewers Say

  • A vibrant and humorous exploration of family, identity, and cultural clashes.

  • The film offers a touching and authentic look at the immigrant experience and queer relationships.

  • Praised for its sharp writing and compelling performances, particularly from Layla Mohammadi.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's blend of comedy and drama, highlighting its relatable characters and honest portrayal of mother-daughter relationships. Many found the exploration of cultural identity and personal growth to be particularly resonant.

Awards & Accolades

Screened at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical attention.

Fun Fact

Director Maryam Keshavarz drew inspiration from her own experiences and observations of Iranian-American families for the film's narrative and characters.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Leila" (Layla Mohammadi) has a sort of love/hate relationship with her mother "Shireen" (Kamand Shafieisabet who morphs into the formidable Niousha Noor) that seems to centre around the former's more independent, and lesbian, lifestyle in ...