Origin: A Beautiful, Heartbreaking Film That Demands Reflection

Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay, is a stunning, emotionally charged exploration of the caste systems that shape society across the globe. Led by a powerhouse performance from Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, the film delivers both a deeply personal journey and a sweeping historical analysis without ever feeling didactic or heavy-handed.

Ellis-Taylor’s portrayal of Isabel Wilkerson is mesmerizing. She captures the author's grief, determination, and intellectual curiosity with a subtlety and depth that few performances achieve. It's criminal that she was overlooked during awards season. Every scene she’s in feels lived-in, raw, and powerful.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Jon Bernthal brings a grounded warmth to his role, and Niecy Nash delivers a performance full of emotional honesty. Their scenes with Ellis-Taylor are some of the most moving in the film, brimming with empathy and pain.

The film’s cinematography is beautiful, lending the story a timeless quality that enhances its universal message. The score complements the narrative perfectly, sometimes swelling with emotion and other times retreating to let the silence speak volumes.

Origin tackles an ambitious subject, and while the storytelling is mostly successful, it occasionally feels like the movie is rushing through material that deserves more time. In many ways, it might have been better served as a documentary or miniseries, allowing for deeper dives into the lives and histories it touches on.

Still, even with its slightly condensed scope, Origin is a profound work. Whether you fully agree with Wilkerson’s thesis or not, Ava DuVernay crafts a story that forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and see the world with fresh eyes. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll — and one that truly matters.