At 51 years young, cultural trendsetter Ava DuVernay has had her hand in a number of generation defining projects, including When They See Us, Selma and 13th. While her past projects have received acclaim from viewers, critics and her peers, some feel her latest project, Origin, is not receiving the praise it deserves. In fact, some critics and some of DuVernay’s peers believe the film, starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, needs to receive more consideration heading into next month’s Academy Awards.
“Bravo,” Cher tweeted after seeing the film.
“Origin is one of those once-in-a-lifetime movies that leaves you forever changed,” Hamilton Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote on Instagram.
This Friday, the world will have the opportunity to watch the film. Here’s what everyone’s saying about it as its worldwide debut nears.
Trailer
Starring: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Victoria Pedretti, Niecy Nash
Where To Watch: In Theaters (Beginning the evening of Thursday, January 18)
Synopsis: While grappling with tremendous personal tragedy, Isabel sets herself on a path of global investigation and discovery. Despite the colossal scope of her project, she finds beauty and bravery while crafting one of the defining American books of our time.
Critics’ Chatter
“I really enjoy movies that make you think, that make you wonder, that make you ask questions, and that spark conversation. Origin is most certainly the film that will do all of those things and hopefully a bit more. Having never read Isabel Wilkerson’s book, I’m now prompted to go to my local bookstore and check it out.”
-Jamie Broadnax, Black Girl Nerds | Read Full Review Here
“Origin will ruffle feathers and make folks uncomfortable. It’s supposed to be uncomfortable. A truth that is hard to swallow usually is, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it in, ponder and embrace what that truth is trying to cure. If anyone had to do it I’m glad it was Ava DuVernay. In my opinion, she is pretty much one of a handful of filmmakers in the Hollywood system brave enough to tackle such sensitive material unapologetically for the culture. For that we thank and applaud your courage for staying true blue to our culture in the cinematic landscape…always.”
-Carla Renata, The Curvy Film Critic | Read Full Review Here
“Origin takes a while to get to the heart of the story, but its approach to the subject matter should be admired for not being entirely predictable. Just like Wilkerson did in Caste, DuVernay wants viewers of Origin to understand that although certain laws exist that have banned slavery and genocide in certain countries that have been notorious for both, the toxic prejudices that fueled these horrors still exist in one form or another. By bringing together stories that take place in various time periods, Origin succeeds in its intention to show people a deeply moving film that exemplifies Spanish philosopher George Santayana’s famous quote about the pitfalls of forgetting what history has taught: ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’”
-Carla Hay, Culture Mix | Read Full Review Here
Timeline Talk
Origin is an incredible movie! Personally i feel like this is Ava DuVernay’s “Magnum Opus”
— Domo Jones (@Buddy_Isreal) January 12, 2024
Just left an early screening of #Origin & my God.
What Ava DuVernay, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor & at its core Isabel Wilkerson have done is MASTERFUL
I can’t even begin to describe the necessity, brilliance, & magnitude of a film like this
This is responsible artistry at its finest
— Shanelle Genai? (@shanellegenai) January 11, 2024
‘Origin’ is one of the most beautiful movies I’ve ever seen. I cannot believe I cried for 2 hours, and I want to watch it again!! Ava DuVernay is special.
Thanks for letting me tag along ?? https://t.co/pzV4OgJCF9
— Tracee Ellis Ross II (@ONLY1_Khin) January 12, 2024
