There are a few movies that will leave you glued to your seat at the end collecting your thoughts. The first time watching this film, I found myself completely moved, with tears continually rolling down my face. The Persian Version is a film written, directed and produced by Maryam Keshavarz. It stars Layla Mohammadi as Leila and Niousha Noor as Shireen. The film follows Iranian American Leila as she strives to find a balance between her two cultures. Trying to keep the two separate, she often times clashes with her mother Shireen. After unexpectedly becoming pregnant, Leila soon learns of the parallels between her, and her mother’s lives.

I went into the movie not knowing much and found myself really loving how layered the story was. It was film that felt very chaotic and intimate at the same time. The Persian Version will feel like two stories clashing with one another but when it all comes together it really elevates the whole film. Maryam Keshavarz has crafted and directed such a beautiful and touching story on immigration. It really made me think about my own immigrant family and all the trials and tribulations they dealt with. Maryam not only excels as a writer here but also manages to give an ensemble of actors each time to shine. The blend of comedy and drama really works well and only heightens the very touching ending.

Layla Mohammadi and Niousha Noor are incredible together as the mother and daughter. It’s a very complex and heartbreaking relationship that feels very personal and real. I think both actresses were wonderful in being able to evoke these emotions and the love felt genuine. A huge ensemble of a cast sometimes can be daunting to keep up with but in The Persian Version everyone is a standout. There are characters that don’t feel as fleshed out, but they also deliver a couple of lines that will leave you laughing or even shedding a tear.

The Persian Version is a film just in time for the holidays that has so many lessons for all. It’s a film about love and really understanding that we’re all living life for the first time. I still can’t shake off the impactful ending.

The Persian Version is a 4/5 for it’s incredibly story-telling and amazing cast!