Universal Language | In Cinemas 2025
Dir. by Matthew Rankin | CANADA | 89 Mins | MA15+
WINNER: CANNES FILM FESTIVAL, Directors Fortnight Award | WINNER: MIFF, Bright Horizons Award
In a mysterious and surreal interzone somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg, the lives of multiple characters interweave with each other in surprising and mysterious ways.
Gradeschoolers Negin and Nazgol find a sum of money frozen in the winter ice and try to claim it. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of increasingly-befuddled tourists through the monuments and historic sites of Winnipeg. Matthew quits his meaningless job in a Québecois government office and sets out upon an enigmatic journey to visit his mother.
Space, time and personal identities crossfade, interweave and echo into a surreal comedy of misdirection.
QUOTES
“A beguiling, surrealist ode to Persian cinema… Diorama-like compositions that will call to mind both Wes and Roy Anders(s)on... The world of Universal Language feels lived-in, and those lives feel consequential. It’s like nothing I’ve seen in Cannes this year.” -THE FILM STAGE
“The best movie at Cannes this year is an oddball Canadian comedy. Universal Language is a magnificent film.” - NEW YORK VULTURE
“Matthew Rankin channels the best of Iranian Cinema in absurdist Canadian comedy... Backdrops that recall the locations in Jacques Tati’s ‘Playtime... And yet, if Rankin counts Abbas Kiarostami among his influences, this project proves he’s ready for his “Close-Up.” - VARIETY
“One of the most exciting directors working today, with his unique visual style and penchant for challenging narrative conventions indicating a bright future as a filmmaker… A tremendously captivating comedy.” - INTERNATIONAL CINEPHILE SOCIETY
