From the very first scene, The Persian Version establishes its unique blend of humor and cultural tension. Leila (Layla Mohammadi) dashes through the streets wearing a burqa over her face, contrasting sharply with the cheeky swim bottoms she sports underneath. This striking visual juxtaposition immediately signals writer-director Maryam Keshavarz’s intent—she isn’t afraid to embrace the contradictions of identity, culture, and tradition. The film wastes no time in plunging the audience into a world of clashing values, where humor and discomfort coexist in equal measure. This opening sets the stage for a narrative that explores the struggles of a woman caught between two worlds while maintaining an undeniably comedic edge.
Leila is the only daughter in a family of nine children, born to Iranian-American immigrants. She bears the immense weight of cultural expectations, constantly navigating the delicate balance between her Iranian heritage and the Western ideals that have shaped her. The family’s reunion in New York, prompted by her father’s heart transplant, forces Leila into close quarters with her mother, Shireen (Niousha Noor), a woman with whom she shares a tumultuous relationship. When a long-buried secret emerges, their already strained bond is tested further, peeling back layers of generational trauma, cultural displacement, and unresolved pain. Through this backdrop, the film weaves a deeply personal yet universally resonant exploration of motherhood, womanhood, and identity.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance lighthearted moments with emotionally charged storytelling. Keshavarz employs playful fourth-wall breaks and sharp one-liners that give the film a lively, intimate feel. Rather than undercutting the heavier themes, the humor reinforces them, creating a nuanced portrayal of Leila’s struggles. She is not just navigating her queer identity in the face of rigid cultural norms but also grappling with the larger expectations of womanhood that her mother, steeped in patriarchal tradition, imposes upon her. The film doesn’t merely use comedy as a relief mechanism—it’s an essential tool that amplifies the characters’ depth and the authenticity of their experiences.
Layla Mohammadi delivers an exceptional performance, embodying Leila with a perfect blend of wit, defiance, and vulnerability. Whether she’s bantering with a casual lover or confronting her mother in an emotionally charged moment, she brings an unfiltered authenticity to the role. Her portrayal captures the complexities of being caught in the middle of two contrasting cultures, neither fully belonging nor entirely estranged. The film’s immersive storytelling makes the audience feel as though they are living through Leila’s experiences, rather than merely observing them from a distance.
Niousha Noor’s portrayal of Shireen is equally captivating. She brings a raw, emotional depth to the character, allowing the audience to see beyond her seemingly rigid exterior. As the story unfolds, we witness the layers of pain and sacrifice that shaped Shireen’s outlook on life. Noor’s performance ensures that Shireen is not simply a stereotypical strict mother but a deeply complex woman shaped by her own traumas and societal constraints. Her portrayal reminds us that generational clashes are often fueled by love, even when they manifest as control and judgment.
Ultimately, The Persian Version is a rich, emotionally resonant film that examines family, identity, and the enduring impact of cultural heritage. It delves into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships with honesty and empathy, acknowledging the struggles of understanding and forgiveness. The film highlights the difficulty of seeing parents as flawed individuals rather than just figures of authority, and the eventual realization that grace is needed on both sides. This journey of reckoning is rarely smooth, but The Persian Version navigates it with warmth, humor, and an unwavering sense of authenticity. Keshavarz has crafted a film that speaks to anyone who has ever felt torn between two cultures, making it an essential watch for those who appreciate stories of self-discovery and familial love.
Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times