I Origins review – a fresh and original sci-fi

by | 1 May 2017 | Film Reviews

‘A molecule biologist is researching the evolution of eyes and discovers something that will change society forever.’

Directed and written by Mike Cahill, I Origins is a beautifully told story about science, love, and faith, and how the relationship between these three things may not be as cut and dry as we thing. Unlike most sci-fi films, Cahill takes a more grounded approach to the science, presenting it in a more believable way.

Similar to his last film, ‘Another Earth (2011)’, He also focuses on the drama of the characters’ lives, making it a far more poignant and thoughtful experience, as well as very moving at times

The story follows Dr Ian Gray (Michael Pitt), who is a firm believer that unless it can be scientifically verified, it can’t be real. Obsessed with the eyes, as many theists claim its intricate design points to a higher power, Ian’s aim is to discover and fill in its evolutionary steps and put an end to the God debate once and for all. During his research he meets and falls in love with Sofi (Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey), whose belief in the spiritual challenges his own scientific mind. When tragedy hits though, he is taken on a journey that will radically change the way he perceives the world.

To begin with, not everyone will enjoy this film. It’s slow, unconventional, and was clearly made as a labour of love, and not to appease the masses. Still, if you can get behind Cahill’s vision, and appreciate what he’s trying to do, there’s a lot to get out of I Origins. For one thing, he feels no need to dumb down the science, forcing us to keep our brains switched on and paying attention. Really, it’s the sort of film you might have to actually research a bit afterwards to grasp and understand what you’ve just watched. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as these kind of films will be the ones to stick in our memory, and likely make you go back for repeat viewings. Thankfully, Cahill’s able to keep us engaged by having an emotional story, and a compelling character in Ian.

As the story suggests, I Origins wants to delve into some weightier issues and topics, particularly the age old battle of science verses religion. Always viewed as two opposing sides, Cahill searches for a middle ground, and feels more open minded in exploring the connection between these supposedly incompatible worldviews. In that third act especially, the film jumps into the metaphysical, blending these two sides even more, and becoming quite abstract and philosophical at times.

Fortunately, Cahill is skilfully able hold these various themes together and keep it from feeling messy and convoluted. By approaching all these big ideas through the lens of a very human story, he’s able to keep it all cohesive, grounding it in something we can grasp. Furthermore, he offers no real conclusion or any tangible answers. There’s a great emotional payoff, but the rest is ambiguous, with the audience left to make sense of it by themselves, and come up with their own conclusions.

Pitt holds this altogether with a solid performance as Ian. He expertly presents a man with a black and white approach to the world, with no time for faith or spirituality. What could have come off as a cold and callous person then, is actually a very relatable and grounded one. This is down to Pitt’s ability to infuse his character with enough humanity and sympathy for us to care about him. Importantly, his interactions with Sofi show that core faith verses science debate, but displayed on a human level. Cahill gives them both compelling arguments, never leaning on one over the other, again, showing that ambiguity.

Clearly Pitt’s film, his character is the most developed, and as a result, the women in Ian’s life don’t feel as fleshed out and are mostly there to propel Ian on his journey. Despite that, Bergès-Frisbey does give a subtle but brilliant performance with the little she does have. She has a great chemistry with Pitt, and together, they are able to make their relationship feel believable, even with strong opposing beliefs and ideas. Brit Marling is equally good as Ian’s lab assistant, who is more like-minded, and plays an important part in Ian’s work in the third act.

I Origins isn’t going to be for everyone, with many finding its in-depth science and inconclusive ending frustrating. Those looking for something different though, and a willingness to go with Cahill’s metaphysical exploration towards the end, will find something emotionally rewarding, and actually quite touching.’

David Axcell

Film Critic

David has quite a broad taste in film which includes big budget blockbusters and small indie films; including International and Arthouse cinema. As long as it’s good in that particular genre, he’ll watch anything.

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