Origin
Origin is a dramatization of a true story with sections that are almost documentary-like. The subject is Isabel Wilkerson, author of the best-selling non-fiction book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Through her extensive research, she concluded that a lot of what we’ve typically described as racism is better attributed to caste – that is to say, the dividing up of groups based on privilege or perceived social worth.
To back up her thesis, Wilkerson points out that a racial difference isn’t necessary for the system to work. Director Ava DuVernay (Selma) tells the story of how the book was conceived, incorporating factual data to illustrate its assertations. Eyes will be opened wide by this film.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (King Richard) plays Wilkerson, a semi-retired journalist who is approached by former editor Amari Selvan (Blair Underwood). He has an audio copy of the 911 call from Treyvon Martin’s murder and wants her to write about it. She initially declines, despite being tormented by what the recording reveals. Husband Brett (Jon Bernthal) encourages her to follow her heart. After enduring two tragedies in short succession, plus a run-in with a Make America Great Again hat-wearing plumber (Nick Offerman), Wilkerson decides to begin her investigation.
Two subplots complement the main story. In Nazi Germany, a young man named August Landmesser (Finn Wittrock) refuses to salute Hitler because he’s dating a Jewish woman, Irma Eckler (Victoria Pedretti). In another, four sociologists – two white and two black – integrate themselves into the Jim Crow South to study how their respective races fare in comparison to each other.
The one glitch with Origin is a lack of strong overall narrative flow. Part of the film focuses on Wilkerson devising her theory. That’s gripping. The other part consists of those subplots, along with a diversion to explore India’s Dalits who are forced to remove excrement from toilets manually, being used to emphasize the author’s points. They’re also gripping. The two halves do not blend naturally, however. Wilkerson’s arc rolls along, stops for fact-based sections demonstrating her findings, then revs up again.
In most movies, that would be a big flaw. In the case of Origin, it isn’t because the overall argument about caste is intellectually engaging at the highest level. I experienced significant revelations while watching the film. DuVernay presents the supporting information with urgency, compelling the viewer to actively think about the ideas at the story’s core. This is not a “turn your brain off” kind of picture; it’s the “turn your brain ON” kind.
On top of that, you have Ellis-Taylor delivering an emotional performance as Wilkerson. The actress conveys the passion driving this woman as she ties all the threads together. Origin is a stirring motion picture that is guaranteed to challenge and stimulate you. Set a few extra bucks aside. You’ll want to buy a copy of Wilkerson’s book afterward.
out of four
Origin is rated PG-13 for thematic material involving racism, violence, some disturbing images, language, and smoking. The running time is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
