By: Mariah Thomas
Photo By: Nathaniel Krause
The movie Same Same But Different made its debut to the world during this year’s SXSW. It is a film that, as the title suggests, highlights the differences in what may be assumed to be the same. The feature tackles conversation of queer identity, religion, heritage, immigration, family, marriage, sickness and so much more in a singular weekend at a bougie beach house. Same Same But Different does a wonderful job at juggling many different avenues of plot and making it feel seamless.
Rana (Medalion Rahimi) has a good thing going for her. She is being paid well as a caretaker for a wealthy family where she has gained the trust of matriarch Rebecca (Joey Lauren Adams) while she provides care for her comatose husband. Rana has also begun a summer fling with Rebecca’s son Adam (Logan Miller). She soon finds out her Visa application was denied, and she faces the possibility of returning home to Iran. Adam, being deeply in awe of Rana, suggests a green card wedding. All the meanwhile, Rana struggles with not being able to communicate with her mother and the deeper implications of doing this. However, the wedding continues and her two Iranian best friends, Nadia (Dalia Rooni) and Set (Layla Mohammadi), provide all of the tough love and moral support she needs. As the three women come together, there is a realization of how similar they are but also their differences. Heated discussions and tearful hugs bring these women closer together.
Following Rana’s story, star Medalion Rahimi shines in this film. She brings so much heart and culture to the forefront of it. There is a moment where the reality of everything sets in for Rana and she feels waves of guilt. This leads to an argument with Adam, and she grows angered by his pronunciation of the word “zen.” In the moment, though, it seems like a tiny thing and the viewer can understand exactly what Rana is feeling. Her beautiful accent pops out in moments of emotion too and emphasizes the importance of her culture. Adam, of course, has a moment of understanding too and seems to want the best for Rana.
Director Lauren Noll is also featured in the film as Adam’s sister. Though a smaller part, there is an important conversation that takes place with her existence in the film. Writer Dalia Rooni is also in the film as Nadia. Their creative partnership finds a special flow and is highlighted throughout the movie. This marks their feature film debut, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tone set both in writing and how that came to life visually. The first thought I had when watching this film was how real it felt. The viewer gets to stay in specific scenes long enough for it to seem natural as this story unfolds.
Same Same But Different was a SXSW favorite for me. I already look forward to getting the chance to rewatch it once it makes its way out into the world post film festival season as it strings together so many important narratives in a way that feels fresh and new.