New Movies: Universal Language (2024) by Matthew Rankin
- dailyentertainment95
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/universal-language-2025 (US)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31691389/
Detailed Summary
Described as a "surreal comedy of disorientation" set "somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg," the film weaves together seemingly unrelated storylines in a whimsical and heartfelt manner. One thread follows Negin and Nazgol, two classmates who discover a frozen Iranian banknote worth five hundred riels and embark on a mission to retrieve it to help a poor classmate buy new glasses. Another storyline involves Massoud, a tour guide in Winnipeg leading a confused group around sites in a city where Persian and French are the official languages, turkeys roam the snowy streets, and Tim Hortons sells Iranian delicacies. The film also features Matthew (presumably Rankin himself), a cultural vagabond who has returned to Winnipeg, a city transformed by a vibrant Iranian culture, causing him a sense of disorientation as he attempts to reconnect with his childhood home. The storylines intertwine surreally, blurring identities and exploring themes of cultural exchange, friendship, and the universal language of emotions.
Plot Summary
In an alternate, surreal version of Winnipeg where Persian and French are the official languages, the film presents three intertwining narratives. Negin and Nazgol find a frozen Iranian banknote and try various comical methods to extract it. Massoud, a tour guide, hilariously struggles to lead a bewildered tour group through the Iranian-influenced cityscape. Matthew returns to his childhood home in Winnipeg, now deeply immersed in Iranian culture, experiencing a sense of displacement and searching for familiarity. The film blends these stories with offbeat humor and surreal elements, highlighting the interconnectedness of people and cultures.
Director's Vision
Matthew Rankin, known for his irreverent and avant-garde approach to filmmaking, presents a "visionary comedy that is both profoundly humane and enchantingly inventive." He reimagines Winnipeg as a dreamscape shaped by its prominent Iranian immigrant community. Rankin aims to explore the interconnected nature of identity and the poetic possibilities that emerge from the proximity of seemingly disparate cultures. The film uses surreal elements and humor to convey a deeper message about the universal emotional language that transcends cultural differences.
Themes
Cultural Identity and Exchange: The film explores the blending of Canadian and Iranian cultures in a surreal Winnipeg, examining the immigrant experience and the formation of new cultural identities.
Friendship and Found Family: The story highlights the bonds of friendship, particularly the efforts of Negin and Nazgol to help their classmate, and the found family cultivated by the filmmakers as outsiders in Montreal.
Disorientation and Homecoming: Matthew's return to a transformed Winnipeg evokes feelings of disorientation and the challenge of finding meaning in a changed hometown.
The Universal Language of Emotions: Despite linguistic and cultural differences, the film emphasizes the shared human experience of emotions that connect people across cultures.
Surrealism and Absurdity: Rankin employs surreal and absurdist elements to create a unique and thought-provoking comedic experience.
Key Success Factors
Unique and Inventive Premise: The surreal reimagining of Winnipeg with Persian and French as official languages creates an instantly captivating and humorous setting.
Charming and Endearing Characters: The film features a cast of characters that are portrayed with affection and wit, making them relatable despite the absurd circumstances.
Strong Performances: The performances, particularly from Rojina Esmaeili and the non-professional actors, contribute to the film's authenticity and heart.
Matthew Rankin's Distinctive Style: The film showcases Rankin's signature blend of historical revisionism, surreal humor, and deep empathy.
Summary Short
In a surreal Winnipeg where Persian and French are the official languages, "Universal Language" follows the whimsical journeys of two girls trying to retrieve a frozen banknote, a tour guide navigating a confused group, and a returning man disoriented by the cultural transformation of his hometown, ultimately highlighting themes of cultural exchange and the universal language of emotions.
Awards and Nominations
"Universal Language" has received significant recognition, including:
Cannes Film Festival 2024: Directors' Fortnight Audience Award (Won)
Melbourne International Film Festival 2024: Bright Horizons Award (Won)
Toronto International Film Festival 2024: Best Canadian Discovery (Won)
Vancouver International Film Festival 2024: Best Canadian Film (Won)
National Board of Review 2024: Top Five International Films (Honored)
Toronto Film Critics Association 2024: Rogers Best Canadian Film (Won)
Canadian Screen Awards 2025: Nominations for Best Motion Picture, Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay, Best Lead Performance in a Comedy Film (Rojina Esmaeili & Pirouz Nemati), Best Supporting Performance in a Comedy Film (Danielle Fichaud, Mani Soleymanlou, & Saba Vahedyousefi), Best Art Direction/Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Editing, Best Makeup, and Best Casting in a Film.
Stockholm Film Festival 2024: Best Director (Won), Nominee for Bronze Horse (Best Film)
Thessaloniki Film Festival 2024: Golden Alexander (Film Forward Competition) (Won)
Montclair Film Festival 2024: Junior Jury Special Jury Prize for Cinematography (Won), Nominee for Fiction Feature Competition
Critics Reception
"Universal Language" has received widespread critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 98% positive rating based on 46 reviews, with an average score of 7.9/10. The website's consensus reads: "Bridging two nations with a clever and surreal conceit, Universal Language is a culture clash comedy brimming with wisdom." Metacritic assigned the film a score of 83 out of 100 based on 11 critics, indicating "universal acclaim." It was also named one of the top 5 international films of 2024 by the National Board of Review.
Reviews
Cagey Films: Described the film as the fullest expression yet of Matthew Rankin's wry wit and deep empathy, highlighting its laugh-out-loud moments and deep emotional resonance rooted in personal experience.
Film Threat: Called it a Canadian Wes Anderson film, praising its stylish and heightened world of whimsy.
Roger Ebert.com: Noted the film's clever and surreal conceit, emphasizing its humor and humanity.
Asynchronous Media: Highlighted the film's unique charm, drawing comparisons to Iranian cinema legends and Guy Maddin, and praising its wonder and sadness.
Exclaim!: Emphasized the film's authentic depiction of Winnipeg and its inclusive sense of community as key to its success.
Screen Daily: Described "Universal Language" as doggedly eccentric with an exaggerated aesthetic.
Box Office
"Universal Language" had a limited theatrical release. As of April 8, 2024, The Numbers reported a domestic box office of $215,249 and an international box office of $481,662, with a worldwide total of $696,911. However, another source indicates a worldwide box office of $233,647.
Production
"Universal Language" was produced by Sylvain Corbeil of Metafilms in Canada, with Matthew Rankin directing from a screenplay he co-wrote. The film features Isabelle Stachtchenko as the cinematographer and was shot in Farsi and French with English subtitles, with a budget of less than $3.5 million.
Production Companies
Metafilms (Canada)
Oscilloscope Laboratories (Primary Company - USA)
Sales Companies
Best Friend Forever
Distribution Companies
Maison 4:3 (Canada)
Oscilloscope Laboratories (USA - Limited release)
Météore Films (France - Theatrical)
Rapid Eye Movies (Germany - Theatrical)
U Films (Russia - Theatrical)
Big Tree Entertainment (India)
Theatrical Release
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2024. It had an Oscar-qualifying limited release in the US on September 20, 2024, followed by a wider limited release on February 12, 2025. It also had theatrical releases in France, Germany, and Russia in late 2024 and early 2025.
Why to Recommend This Movie
A Truly Original and Inventive Film: Matthew Rankin's unique vision and surreal style create a memorable and captivating cinematic experience.
Heartfelt and Humorous: Despite its absurdity, the film has a genuine warmth and offers numerous laugh-out-loud moments.
Explores Themes of Cultural Connection: It subtly and effectively bridges cultural divides, emphasizing our shared humanity.
Why to Watch Movie
Experience a Unique Cinematic Voice: Matthew Rankin is a distinctive filmmaker whose work is both challenging and rewarding.
Enjoy a Blend of Surrealism and Comedy: The film offers a refreshing and often hilarious take on cultural interactions.
Support Independent Canadian Cinema: "Universal Language" is an example of the innovative and creative filmmaking coming out of Canada.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Surreal Independent Comedy: The film aligns with a trend of independent comedies that embrace surrealism and non-conventional storytelling to explore themes in a unique and often humorous way.
Cross-Cultural Narratives: It also participates in a growing trend of films that explore multiculturalism and the interactions between different cultures, albeit through a highly stylized lens.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Multiculturalism and Global Interconnectedness: The film reflects the increasing reality of multicultural societies and the growing interconnectedness of the world, highlighting the potential for understanding and connection across linguistic and cultural barriers.
Emphasis on Emotional Connection Over Division: It subtly promotes the idea that despite our differences, a shared emotional language can unite us.
Final Verdict
"Universal Language" is a triumph of originality and heart. Matthew Rankin has crafted a bizarrely beautiful and genuinely funny film that transcends cultural boundaries through its whimsical narrative and endearing characters. It's a must-see for those who appreciate unique cinematic visions and stories that find profound meaning in the absurd.
Recommendations for Film Makers
Embrace Your Unique Style: Matthew Rankin's distinct approach showcases the value of developing a singular cinematic voice.
Find Humor in Unexpected Places: Comedy can be a powerful tool for exploring complex themes and connecting with audiences.
Collaborate with Diverse Voices: Rankin's collaboration with Pirouz Nemati and Ila Firouzabadi enriched the film's cultural perspectives.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Bold and Original Visions: Encourage and fund filmmakers who take creative risks and offer fresh perspectives.
Recognize the Value of Cross-Cultural Stories: Films that explore cultural exchange and understanding can resonate with a global audience.
Provide Platforms for Independent and Arthouse Cinema: Ensure that films like "Universal Language" have opportunities for distribution and reach appreciative viewers.
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