It's commonly accepted among thinkers and those who explore fundamental questions that we are all interconnected—with each other and with the world around us, sharing an underlying commonality in our existence. However, how often do we truly pause to acknowledge, contemplate, and value this connection? Perhaps it requires a departure from our daily routines and immersion into an alternative reality to fully grasp these inherent links and their worth. Writer-actor-director Matthew Rankin demonstrates this beautifully in his second film, which is an absurdist story of seemingly separate narratives that ultimately converge to illustrate the bonds uniting us and how we can best utilize them for collective good. This collection of unusual tales follows a Quebec government employee (Rankin) who leaves his job to return home and visit his mother in Winnipeg; a part-time tour guide (Pirouz Nemati) leading small groups on excursions to unremarkable, alleged tourist spots in Manitoba’s capital city; and two concerned school classmates (Rojina Esmaeili, Saba Vahedyousefi) attempting to raise money to replace a friend's (Sobhan Javadi) eyeglasses after they were lost and taken by a clever wild turkey. The assistance these individuals freely give each other—and receive in return—as they navigate the strange challenges of their unusual circumstances reveals an unspoken “universal language”: our shared compassion and support for one another, especially those in need. This all unfolds against a backdrop of an alternate Canada (where Farsi is the primary language) during winter, creating a fitting atmosphere as we explore the world around us. "Universal Language" delivers a heartwarming, gentle yet insightful story that reminds us of our inherent connection and the generosity we're all capable of showing when necessary—something that should ideally come naturally, as it does for the characters in this film. The humor is abundant and unconventional, reminiscent of Monty Python and Federico Fellini. Admittedly, the initial portion of the movie might feel somewhat disconnected and perhaps overly eccentric at times, but these issues lessen as the story progresses and the various threads begin to intertwine, revealing the underlying connections between people. This charming independent film has largely gone unnoticed so far, despite receiving awards, nominations, and positive reviews at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, along with being named one of the National Board of Review’s Top 5 International Films of the previous year. It's encouraging to see a release like this now, when it feels as though there are so many divisions among us, that instead focuses on what unites us rather than what separates us.

Source on TMDB