Origin is educational and emotional. It looks beyond regional racism to a global caste system, covering topics of history, humanity, trauma, fear, oppression, hierarchy, violence, expectations, solidarity, endogamy, dehumanization, complicity, and awareness. Because this subject matter is so intense, complex, fact-based, and important, the film is inherently thought-provoking. Plus, it incorporates a personal story of grief that doesn't always fit but draws thematic parallels. The acting adds deep sadness, chemistry, personality, conflict, vulnerability, layers, energy, and commitment. Some might find its approach dry or awkward, but Origin is creative, compelling, sincere, and weighty.
Technically, Origin is cumbersome but maximizes scope and urgency. The imagery adds angles, steady motion, depth, composition, lighting, and POVs. Its sound uses muting, perspective, split cuts, voiceovers, smash cuts, silence, echoes, and archives. The music is somber, ominous, swelling, and sometimes melodramatic. Its production design offers eras and globe-trotting. The cast has skill and representation, but lacks broad recognizability. Its effects are minor but impactful. The free-flowing editing blends flashbacks, cross cuts, intercuts, and montages, but can be unwieldy at times. Overall, Origin's questionable aspects are forgivable due to its incredible ambition and information.
Writing: 10/10
Direction: 9/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.2/10
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