I certainly didn’t.
Farsi has replaced English in this absurdist, off-beat comedy-drama about people simply existing.
The core theme is crystal clear.
The randomness of the dialogue and situations is enriched by the cultural specificityUniversal Languageimplements.
As heartwarming as the plot thread is, however, it does overtake the film in the latter half.
Rankin avoids all expectations and goes for a visual and narrative approach that is constantly unexpected and dizzyingly charming.
Overall, the actual story inUniversal Languagedoesn’t matter.
It is the execution that stands out the most.
It’s affirming and reminds us that being Canadian is not defined by arbitrary standards.
Universal Language follows Nazgol and Hossein in Winnipeg as they assist a classmate in retrieving an Iranian banknote. Concurrently, Matthew Rankin leaves his job in Montreal to reunite with his family, connecting with Massoud, a tour guide caring for Rankin’s mother.
It isn’t language that defines us, nor our cultural background, but our character.
