Boris Mojsovski’s Foreign Tongue uses an unusual medical condition as the foundation for a story about identity, belonging and cultural understanding. Based on a stage musical written by Cynthia Ashperger, the film follows Kathy, a Canadian woman whose life changes dramatically after a serious accident leaves her with Foreign Accent Syndrome. When she emerges from a coma, her familiar voice has been replaced by what sounds like a Bosnian accent, creating confusion for both Kathy and those around her.
Before the accident, Kathy, played by Kimberly Sue Murray, lives a largely solitary life. She works as a recruitment consultant, spends her free time reading psychology and struggles to connect with others despite attempts to broaden her social circle. The sudden change to her speech disrupts every aspect of her routine, forcing her to confront questions of identity and self perception that she had previously avoided.
As Kathy attempts to adapt to her circumstances, she forms an unexpected bond with Visnja, portrayed by Cynthia Ashperger. An immigrant from Bosnia, Visnja introduces Kathy to a community of newcomers who have experienced many of the challenges associated with settling into a new country. Through these relationships, Kathy gains insight into the realities faced by people whose accents, cultural backgrounds and personal histories often shape how they are perceived.
The film initially adopts the structure of a romantic comedy. Kathy develops feelings for David, played by Steve Byers, while concealing the truth about herself and allowing others to assume she shares a similar immigrant experience. However, the story gradually expands beyond romance, becoming a thoughtful examination of social integration, cultural identity and the barriers that many immigrants encounter even after establishing new lives.
Some of the film’s most effective scenes focus on the experiences shared by Kathy’s new friends. Their stories highlight professional setbacks, cultural misunderstandings and the struggle to have skills and qualifications recognised in a new environment. These moments provide much of the film’s emotional depth and reinforce its central themes.
Mojsovski also introduces touches of magical realism. Influenced by Carl Jung’s ideas on synchronicity, the narrative leaves room for interpretations that extend beyond medical explanation, allowing Kathy’s transformation to feel both psychological and spiritual.
Led by a strong performance from Murray, Foreign Tongue balances humour and drama while celebrating the resilience of immigrant communities. It presents a warm and engaging story that uses an unusual premise to explore universal questions about belonging, identity and human connection.
