The satirical comedy “Universal Language” directed by Matthew Rankin, imagines a snowy Canadian city as if it were Tehran. This film is aimed at Canadians and aficionados of Iranian cinema, combining the two cultural specificities to create something fresh and weird.
In this thought-provoking world, Winnipeg has fully assimilated with Iranian cultural traditions. The movie begins in a French-immersion language school, where children are learning about Persian culture alongside English. A peculiar set of circumstances ensnares Omid, leading him on a quest to find glasses that could solve his problems.
However, the film is not just focused on Omid’s journey; it also pays homage to Iranian cinema through references to famous directors like Abbas Kiarostami and Jafar Panahi. The movie is shot in a richly textured style reminiscent of the Iranian New Wave, blending humor and poignancy as Winnipeg becomes Tehran.
Ultimately, “Universal Language” is a meditation on identity and displacement. It suggests that once we leave our home, we never fully belong anywhere else. With its unique blend of satire and surrealism, this film will resonate with viewers familiar with both Canadian and Iranian cultures.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/movies/universal-language-review.html