Page

The Persian Version

❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Watch trailer

01:56

The Persian Version

Save

Summary

Comedy drama starring Layla Mohammadi. Iranian-American film-maker Leila has a complicated relationship with her New York family - especially her mother Shireen, who disapproves of Leila's sexuality. When Leila's father falls ill, the family is brought together - and a secret that Leila has been keeping is revealed.

Ad

Powered By

IMDB

Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Kevin Harley

Despite a crowded spread of themes and characters, this winning comedy drama explores cultural identity with lively charm. Layla Mohammadi plays Leila, an LGBTQ+ film-maker who is estranged from her New York-based Iranian-American family, notably mum Shireen (Niousha Noor). Leila's break-up from her wife has surprise consequences, including a fling with a British actor (Tom Byrne). And when her father falls ill, a fractious return to her family follows. The moment sets the agenda for a film that touches on sexuality, mother/daughter tensions, religion, sibling relations and more. Writer/director Maryam Keshavarz reflects Leila's full-on personality in style, generously ladling on voiceovers, popping colours and terrific alt-pop songs. The all-in pitch courts chaos, but Keshavarz directs with engaging vim and reins in her excesses when needed. Flashbacks to a younger Shireen's experiences anchor her story in struggle, while Mohammadi and Noor's nuanced turns tease out hidden depths in their characters. Among the joyous dance sequences and near-farcical moments, The Persian Version digs for emotional truths and finds them.

imdb-square

6.2/10

How to watch

Loading

Streaming

Credits

Cast

rolenameLeilaLayla MohammadiShireenNiousha NoorYoung ShireenKamand ShafieisabetAli Reza JamshidpourBijan DaneshmandMamanjoonBella WardaYoung MamanjoonSachli Gholamalizad

Show more

Crew

rolenameDirectorMaryam Keshavarz

Details

Theatrical distributor

Sony

Released on

2024-03-22

Languages

English | Persian

Guidance

Swearing, sexual references.

Formats

Colour

Ad

Ad

Ad