Origin is a biographical drama written and directed by Ava DuVernay. It is the story of Isabel Wilkerson. It centers around her research for her book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. This biological drama stars Aunjanue Ellis as Isabel Wilkerson, along with Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nick Offerman and Blair Underwood. The cast was phenomenal.
Ava DuVernay is an American filmmaker best known for her films and TV shows that explore experiences of African Americans, these include: Jim Crow-era racism, the civil rights movement, racial inequities of mass incarceration, and the history of hip-hop music. An interesting fact I found out by following Ava DuVernay on Instagram is how she funded this project. She needed to get creative with where she raised the funds for this film. She asked herself if the non-profits seen at the end of PBS documentaries would ever consider making a narrative film with actors. The answer was a definite yes! The contributors include: Darren Walker of the Ford Foundation, Laurene Powell Jobs of Emerson Collective, Melinda Gates of Pivotal Ventures. Anne Wojcicki, Kimberly Steward, Agnes Gund, Chris and Jada Paul, among many others.
Some of Ava DuVernay's previous works that I have enjoyed are: the film Selma, and the series Colin in Black and White. While they have been on “My List” on Netflix, I have not been able to bring myself to watch 13th or When They See Us. I think February 2024 will be a good month for me to finally get them off my list. I just have to brace myself for the traumatic brutality of the content.
Furthermore, another name to watch out for is Aunjanue Ellis. She is becoming one of my favorite actresses. I find myself looking forward to watching her work. Some of my favorites are two movies based on true life stories: The Express: The Ernie Davis story and King Richard. Some of her series work I really enjoyed was in Lovecraft Country and the recently released, Justified: City Primeval.
For the record, I have not read the book, nor had I heard of author Isabel Wilkerson, so ultimately, I had no preconceived ideas or expectations prior to watching this docudrama. This film is so deeeeeep! It is an extremely emotional piece of work. It is a powerful story that wrenches at your heart and makes you think!
From the moment this story began to unfold, I was overcome with raw emotions. I immediately knew who was being depicted in the opening scene without a name being uttered. Instantly, I was put in a defensive mode. bracing for what was to come. As the storyline unfolded, I began sobbing uncontrollably. Realizing quickly that it would not be the last time I would openly sob during this film. It was such an emotional experience.
Without giving away the plot of the movie, we need to talk a little bit about the history of this country. In particular, Black history, which is extremely ugly, hurtful and painful. As I watched a particular scene, my thoughts went to the psychological warfare and treatment my mother and mother-in-law must have had to endure at times during their childhoods, having been born in 1939 and 1931, respectively.
Isabel Wilkerson's story is one of:
Success
Devastation
Grief
Resilience
Confidence
Persistence and
Perseverance
You should definitely go see this heart wrenching film. In addition, read Ms. Isabel Wilkerson's book: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. I’m going to join you; it is now on my reading list.
Lastly, as to the question of whether you should take your children to see this movie, I would say this: “hell to the no”. In all seriousness this is an excruciatingly painful movie to experience. Children would not find it entertaining in the least bit. If you have a teenager that is mature enough to handle hard emotional content, then you may want to take them. Personally, I would not have taken my children to see this movie at any age. It is rated PG-13 for thematic material involving racism, violence, some disturbing images, language, and smoking.
This is a very entertaining movie, but not in the traditional sense of the word. I think it is more intriguing. It is an eye opener. I do feel this melodrama deserves many awards when award season comes around. I hope you feel the same way. Let me know what you think.
I give it 5/5 “Charms”
🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
“I'm rooting for everybody Black.”
Just A Mom Who Loves Movies
The movie Origin is Brillant! Ms. Duvanay's creative approach to presenting such deep and emotional concepts was thought provoking. Seeing Wilkerson persevere after so much trauma reflected the same kind of resilience we've seen in our own families . Must see for mature audiences.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes and YES! Thank you for reading my review and commenting. I really appreciate it!
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