Origin (2023) Movie Review

Origin (2023) Movie Review

In the captivating world of cinema, Ava DuVernay stands as a luminary, a filmmaker with a penchant for unraveling the intricacies of social structures and collective sorrow. Her latest creation, the investigative masterpiece titled "Origin," delves deep into the realms of curiosity, seamlessly blending DuVernay's profound interests with meticulous rigor.

The Dance of Ideas: A Meeting of Minds

At the heart of the film is a poignant scene where Isabel Wilkerson, portrayed by the talented Aunjanue Ellis, encounters her persistent editor Amari, played by Blair Underwood. The backdrop? A sold-out public talk following Wilkerson's book, "The Warmth of Other Suns." Amari urges Isabel to explore the recent tragedy of Trayvon Martin, an event shaking the nation. The banter between them, though playful, reveals a deeper truth about the emotional labor embedded in watching "Origin."

A Tale of Loss and Resilience

DuVernay's adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s nonfiction work, "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents," transcends the boundaries of duty or burden. The narrative unfolds with intoxicated conviction, revolving around Isabel and her supportive husband Brett, portrayed by Jon Bernthal. Their journey begins with the search for an assisted living home for Isabel's mother, played by Emily Yancy, setting the stage for impending maternal loss. Isabel's subsequent setbacks become the catalyst for her exploration into Martin's story, a journey that transcends mere racial confines.

Connecting Threads: From Slavery to Caste Systems

"Origin" aims to weave a narrative tapestry linking the repercussions of American slavery to the crimes of the Holocaust and India’s caste system. Isabel's ambitious thesis faces skepticism, especially during a dinner in Germany with her Jewish-German friend Sabine, played by Connie Nielsen. The clash of perspectives adds a layer of tension, exposing the tenacity within Isabel to challenge assumptions and break through barriers.

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A Visual Symphony: Filming the Unseen

Translating Isabel’s complex narrative into visuals poses a challenge skillfully tackled by DuVernay. The use of 16mm film offers a consistent aesthetic, allowing seamless transitions between eras and locations. Cinematographer Matthew J. Lloyd's love for close-ups captures the essence of Isabel's emotional journey, with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor delivering a mesmerizing performance.

Intimate Reflections: Personal Moments in a Global Context

DuVernay creates quiet spaces for dynamic reflection, delving into personal moments such as Isabel and Brett's origin story. These intimate glimpses add depth to the narrative, exploring themes of identity, privilege, and the interconnectedness of human experiences.

Unraveling the Global Narrative

Isabel's research takes her across continents, meeting with Dalit professor Suraj Yengde in India. The film's exploration of caste isn't confined to a specific culture; instead, it broadens its lens to analyze systemic dehumanization and oppression across diverse cultures, countries, and generations.

Moments of Brilliance and Areas of Contention

While "Origin" boasts moments of brilliance, some scenes, like the encounter with a plumber wearing a red MAGA cap, feel didactic and on-the-nose. Yet, at its core, "Origin" is a journalistic film, demanding the viewer's unwavering attention—a call to bear witness to the complexities of the human experience.

Origin (2023) Movie Trailer

DuVernay's Cinematic Triumph

DuVernay's achievement in "Origin" is a rarity in Hollywood, where black women often face exclusion. From "I Will Follow" to "When They See Us," her trajectory showcases a commanding fusion of collective pain and imperative action. The film's ending, though overt at times, stands as a visual landmark—a swirling, lyrical summation of Isabel's argument.

A Radical Masterwork

"Origin" may not be flawless, but greatness lies not in perfection. Instead, it emerges from how the narrative moves, challenges, and embraces the human heart. A dense, forceful masterwork, "Origin" solidifies DuVernay's position as a cinematic trailblazer, making it the most radical film of her esteemed career. In a cinematic landscape often dominated by predictability, "Origin" emerges as a bold and unapologetic exploration of humanity's tapestry, weaving together the threads of history with skill and artistry.