As "The Persian Version" (2023 release; 107 min.) opens, we are introduced to Leila, a twenty-some yo living in Brooklyn whose parents immigrated from Iran to the US in 1967. Leila had been told that they moved because there was a shortage of doctors in the US (her dad being a doctor). Then one day Leila's grandmother tells her that there is another (Persian) version why they moved, to escape a scandal. Leila is determined to get to the bottom of this...
Couple of comments: as the movie opens, we are reminded that this is "A True Story... Sort Of". The movie is written and directed by Maryam Keshavarz and is more or less based on her own family's story. At its core, the movie reflects on Leila's uneasy relationship with her mom. Then in extended flashbacks we learn the background story of her mom, growing up in arch-conservative Iran in the the 60s. Watching the movie, I couldn't help but think back on "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", even if the latter is outright more comedy than is "The Persian Version", which is more reflective and introspective. The two leads, Layla Mohammadi as Leila, and. Niousha Noor as her mom, are outstanding, and a joy to watch.
"The Persian Version" premiered at last year's Sundance film festival to immediate critical acclaim and was promptly acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. There is good reason why this is currently rated 83% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. After a brief US theatrical run last Fall, the movie is now streaming on Netflix, where I caught it last night. If you have any interest in understanding one family's transformation and adaptation coming from Iran to the US, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
