Review of I Origins (2014) by Luke K — 06 Nov 2015

Being a huge fan of the last Mike Cahill/Brit Marling collaboration 'Another Earth', I had high hopes for I Origins and was slightly disappointed. That being said, I can't help but hold huge admiration for this film simply because of how original and ambitious it is. I Origins has an intriguing, high-concept premise, with an atmosphere that is simultaneously melancholic and subdued, as well as hopeful and inspiring. Cahill is also effective in anchoring such complicated, high-scale ideas within a small and intimate love story. I Origins is well-acted, paced and directed, with surprisingly grounded and realistic characters, portrayed by two of my favourite actors Michael Pitt and Brit Marling. However, I believe it's faults arise in Cahill trying to do 'too much' and tackling too many themes with his statements on religion, science, reincarnation and fate. And unfortunately, I do find this film lacks the sense of wonder and magic that was so prominent in Another Earth.

Whilst undeniably flawed, I Origins is still a wholly unique and involving film, dealing with ambitious and fascinating ideas of spiritual rebirth and metaphysical existence in a surprisingly human way.