Ava DuVernay’s latest film, Origin, tackles the formidable task of adapting Isabel Wilkerson’s book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” to the big screen. While the intentions are undoubtedly noble, the film unfortunately stumbles more often than it soars.
While thematically ambitious, Origin struggles to weave its complex ideas together. The first two acts feel like an extended lecture, endlessly explaining concepts that many viewers will already be familiar with. This clunky execution undermines the film’s attempts to create a compelling narrative.
However, the final act takes a dramatic turn. DuVernay finally brings specificity and emotional weight to the concepts previously introduced. The result is a heart-wrenching exploration of history and its impact on modern society.
A Still From Origin Movie 2024 (Via IMDB)
Ultimately, Origin’s strengths lie within its powerful conclusion, but the journey to get there is riddled with clunky exposition and underdeveloped ideas. The film feels like a collection of disparate parts rather than a cohesive whole.
Despite its flaws, Origin boasts strong performances from its cast, particularly Niecy Nash-Betts who brings warmth and personality to the film.
While Ava DuVernay deserves praise for attempting such a complex and timely project, Origin fails to fully realize its potential. With a more nuanced approach and a better-paced execution, this could have been a transformative film.
