ORIGIN – “An emotionally dense cinematic essay”

origin

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: Ava DuVernay (A Wrinkle in Time – 2018)

MAIN CAST

• Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Isabel Wilkerson
• Jon Bernthal as Brett Hamilton
• Niecy Nash-Betts as Marion Wilkerson
• Emily Yancy as Ruby Wilkerson
• Finn Wittrock as August Landmesser
• Victoria Pedretti as Irma Eckler
• Jasmine Cephas Jones as Elizabeth Davis
Isha Blaaker as Allison Davis

SYNOPSIS

It is based on the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

Grappling with tremendous personal tragedy, writer Isabel Wilkerson sets herself on a path of global investigation and discovery as she writes Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.

REVIEW SUMMARY

An emotionally dense cinematic essay, Ava DuVernay’s Origin makes for a unique viewing experience. That’s because we get a mix of narrative story with almost documentary type education. And, well, the mix does not always work. It doesn’t help that the film mostly falls into “dry” territory with its heavy themes and topics. Let’s just say it’s a challenging watch more times than not. But, there’s an unquestionable beauty in DuVernay’s visual styles - even when paired with the most heartbreaking of stories. In fact, there are moments and monologues in this movie that are so deep, that they are almost guaranteed to touch your soul! But, even with all the thought provoking questions and debates, the choppy execution still poses a problem. I almost wish it was 100% documentary. The film’s free-flowing pace is also a bit of problem, as it all runs on much longer than it needs to. But, if you are looking for a heady movie with loads to digest, you can get plenty to nourishment with Origin!

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