296 reviews
11' to 1h11
- ldespoelberch
- Nov 20, 2022
- Permalink
Not for everyone
IMDb rating is 7, on web people mostly bash it, but it moved me totally. This drama, with elements of romance, adventure, SF, and even horror, is easy to follow, but heavy if it hits you right. I understand why most people hate it. The movie is good, but it definitely isn't for everyone.
8/10
8/10
- Bored_Dragon
- Apr 18, 2017
- Permalink
It may have flaws but it's still interesting.
This is definitely not for everyone. First, it's one of those slow paced sci-fi movies that is trying to make you think rather than throw visual eye candy at you (which I'm also a fan of, no dissing any sci-fi style here). It also takes quite a few liberties with actual science, but I'm ok with it as long as it serves the narrative and I do think it works in this case. Overall pretty interesting and original so I'd recommend it so you can make your own opinion.
intriguing premise but second half stumbles
- SnoopyStyle
- Feb 5, 2017
- Permalink
Absolutely original, and very powerful
We watch at least 4 or 5 movies every week, and I have to say that this is the best film I've seen in a long time. Brit Marling seems to choose her films very carefully, and I'm coming to suspect that anything she's involved in is going to be different, and very well done.
This film is inspiring - not just because of it's content, but because of the way it's made. Hollywood can NOT make films like this. They can do a lot of things, but they can't seem to write scenes, scenarios, and certainly not dialog like this. This feels like real life, and because of this, it really effects you and draws you in. You really get to know, understand and care about the characters, in a way that just doesn't seem to happen in 'Hollyweird' films.
I don't want to go into any detail about the film here. I just want to say that it is truly amazing, unpredictable, beautiful, powerful and worth your time.
IMPORTANT: Be sure not to turn it off as the credits roll - there's a great little additional scene at the very end, which ads another dimension to the way the story wraps up.
Truly excellence in film making. If there were more writer/directors like this, the world would be a better place. He makes us think and challenges us. Truly inspirational.
My highest recommendation.
Will Middle of NowHere, in some snowy, remote Canadian mountains
This film is inspiring - not just because of it's content, but because of the way it's made. Hollywood can NOT make films like this. They can do a lot of things, but they can't seem to write scenes, scenarios, and certainly not dialog like this. This feels like real life, and because of this, it really effects you and draws you in. You really get to know, understand and care about the characters, in a way that just doesn't seem to happen in 'Hollyweird' films.
I don't want to go into any detail about the film here. I just want to say that it is truly amazing, unpredictable, beautiful, powerful and worth your time.
IMPORTANT: Be sure not to turn it off as the credits roll - there's a great little additional scene at the very end, which ads another dimension to the way the story wraps up.
Truly excellence in film making. If there were more writer/directors like this, the world would be a better place. He makes us think and challenges us. Truly inspirational.
My highest recommendation.
Will Middle of NowHere, in some snowy, remote Canadian mountains
- michellamoss
- Dec 12, 2014
- Permalink
Juvenile
Eye Thoughtful
- ferguson-6
- Jul 18, 2014
- Permalink
Great movie
Greetings from Lithuania.
"I Origins" (2014) is a superb drama with sci-fi elements, that looks closer to reality then fiction from recent sci-fi movies. Acting was very solid, direction, script were superb as well as the music - great stuff. This picture grabbed me from first moments till the very last end - i couldn't take my eyes from screen and was captivated in the story. At running time 1 h 48 min it never drags and is superbly paced.
Overall, "I Origins" touches great themes, approaches them with more sciences rather then fiction and does a great job of keeping you glued to the screen during the process - what else can you ask from a motion picture. Great movie.
"I Origins" (2014) is a superb drama with sci-fi elements, that looks closer to reality then fiction from recent sci-fi movies. Acting was very solid, direction, script were superb as well as the music - great stuff. This picture grabbed me from first moments till the very last end - i couldn't take my eyes from screen and was captivated in the story. At running time 1 h 48 min it never drags and is superbly paced.
Overall, "I Origins" touches great themes, approaches them with more sciences rather then fiction and does a great job of keeping you glued to the screen during the process - what else can you ask from a motion picture. Great movie.
I can't work out...
Wonderful
This is one of the best movies I've watched this year. Breath taking and such a beautiful story. The cast is wonderfully chosen and you keep having goosebumps all through the movie. Watched it twice in a row. Wonderful. Seeing the title being classified under sci-fi I was not expecting such a love story behind it. The feeling of insecurity throughout the movie and passion. The constant battle between science and religion shown in a beautiful way. The scenery is perfect well chosen locations. Michael Pitt did a wonderful job in showing a constant battle between his emotions and radical thinking. I love writing reviews but this movie left me into a dark abyss where I don't know what happens next.
Beautiful beginning but what's the point?
- blumdeluxe
- Oct 30, 2016
- Permalink
A clever sci fi movie that is pretty calm and yet keeps one's attention
- ComedyFan2010
- Aug 21, 2017
- Permalink
Pseudo-scientific but nice
This movie has been on my watch list for a while. I finally made the decision to watch it because of its enticing synopsis. However, now that I've actually seen it I feel tricked. The synopsis is more of a ruse; the actual movie has very little to do with what's described in it. You'll see. With that being said I do have a gripe with the "science" in the movie. As someone with a background in science I know that most of the things that are being presented as "facts" in this movie are nothing but humbug. You can't create iris scans from "high res" images. And that's not the only pseudo-science that's prevalent in "I Origins". But I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just end it here.
The movie was OK but I can't help but feel a little disappointed. I was expecting something very different; a movie about the origin of self / consciousness. But instead we've watched a movie about eyes. Very funny play of words (/sarcasm). Just because "I" is a homonym for eye that doesn't justify this type of trickery. I feel betrayed.
The movie was OK but I can't help but feel a little disappointed. I was expecting something very different; a movie about the origin of self / consciousness. But instead we've watched a movie about eyes. Very funny play of words (/sarcasm). Just because "I" is a homonym for eye that doesn't justify this type of trickery. I feel betrayed.
- antoniokowatsch
- Nov 19, 2017
- Permalink
Good story idea, very poor character development/execution
- stephentheh
- Jul 15, 2014
- Permalink
Silly and boring
- ThatDoesntMatter
- Dec 6, 2014
- Permalink
Good but with problems
Another Another Earth
Mike Cahill creates another low budget low key fantasy film, using some of the same actors as in Another Earth, and again he succeeds in producing something intriguing. I watched Another Earth and I really liked it, because it didn't just publish an idea, but it built and grew its characters, reaching the underwhelming, but thought provoking ending. I liked I Origins for the same reasons, but truth be said, it's just not as good. If you watched this film and liked it, you will love Another Earth.
The story is difficult to explain without spoiling the basic plot. Let's just say it is a journey of discovery for the main character. The film starts with a really slow pace and much of what happens in the first half is just character exposition, rather than development. That may put some people off. However it is important to understand all characters to get the film, and they are all rather interesting and original, not tired clichés. I liked that.
So basically you get a well done, well acted movie, involving interesting characters in an intriguing story. What else do you need? With a cast like Michael Pitt and Brit Marling, it feels like the indie film that it is, but I thought it was clearly worth watching. Some scenes could have been removed to make the movie last less than the full two hours, but they do develop the characters and pull the viewer into their story a little.
The story is difficult to explain without spoiling the basic plot. Let's just say it is a journey of discovery for the main character. The film starts with a really slow pace and much of what happens in the first half is just character exposition, rather than development. That may put some people off. However it is important to understand all characters to get the film, and they are all rather interesting and original, not tired clichés. I liked that.
So basically you get a well done, well acted movie, involving interesting characters in an intriguing story. What else do you need? With a cast like Michael Pitt and Brit Marling, it feels like the indie film that it is, but I thought it was clearly worth watching. Some scenes could have been removed to make the movie last less than the full two hours, but they do develop the characters and pull the viewer into their story a little.
Vision
The movie has some varied views of science versus faith. A doctor is researching the evolution of the eye to prove that there were steps to the creation and the eye is not a window to the soul. Along the way he becomes infatuated with a distinct pair and falls for this French maiden. Tragedy strikes and years later he still is in pursuit of that one that got away. The movie is fast pace and is passion filled, how sometimes science can't explain everything away and create the perfect connection. This movie is sure to make think and wonder how we are all different but can we transcend time and space and have our spirits survive. A marvelous caring and provocative film that will make you think the next time you see a beautiful set of eyes. I Origins is quite a trip and adventure that will take you around the world and wonder how you would handle the one that got away. Dr. Wilson Trivino
Beautiful actors seeking answers to profound questions
What if Shakespeare got it right when he wrote:
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. - Hamlet (1.5.167-8), Hamlet to Horatio
Actually, we know that Shakespeare did get it right. Science adds new discoveries and corrects old theories constantly as it progresses. What's this have to do with "I, Origins"? It's one of the main themes of the movie: What if there's more to the universe than what we can perceive with our senses. Ask any real scientist and you'll find out that the concept is hardly new or controversial. We can't directly perceive radio waves or x-rays yet we make use of them every day. Nevertheless, this movie approaches the topic in a way that makes this question, perhaps, easier to approach for non-scientists.
Similarly, the movie tackles the theme of science versus religion. This theme is played up a lot in contemporary press coverage and "I, Origins" tackles this question intelligently as well. Again, ask a scientist about science and religion and you will likely find out that there isn't really a conflict between the two. Science looks into how the universe works. Religion is concerned with why? "How" and "why" are two sides of the same coin.
The movie also explores the long-existing notion that we are in some way tied to certain individuals for all time. Soul mates, if you will. Don't ask a scientist about that one.
The main actors in "I, Origins" are young and beautiful. Even the lab rat, played by Brit Marling, who starred in director Mike Cahill's prior and debut film "Another Earth," cannot hide her exceptional beauty behind glasses and sweats or a pregnancy suit. So if you enjoy seeing beautiful people asking seemingly profound questions in interesting settings, this is your movie.
Like Cahill's "Another Earth," this movie probes profound questions about the human existence. It's beautifully shot (though I think it needs some more editing), well acted by attractive people, and in the end will probably get you thinking. If that sounds like a mystical experience and a good investment of two hours of your time, then this film's something you should see.
We saw this film as part of the Camera Cinema Club series in San Jose.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. - Hamlet (1.5.167-8), Hamlet to Horatio
Actually, we know that Shakespeare did get it right. Science adds new discoveries and corrects old theories constantly as it progresses. What's this have to do with "I, Origins"? It's one of the main themes of the movie: What if there's more to the universe than what we can perceive with our senses. Ask any real scientist and you'll find out that the concept is hardly new or controversial. We can't directly perceive radio waves or x-rays yet we make use of them every day. Nevertheless, this movie approaches the topic in a way that makes this question, perhaps, easier to approach for non-scientists.
Similarly, the movie tackles the theme of science versus religion. This theme is played up a lot in contemporary press coverage and "I, Origins" tackles this question intelligently as well. Again, ask a scientist about science and religion and you will likely find out that there isn't really a conflict between the two. Science looks into how the universe works. Religion is concerned with why? "How" and "why" are two sides of the same coin.
The movie also explores the long-existing notion that we are in some way tied to certain individuals for all time. Soul mates, if you will. Don't ask a scientist about that one.
The main actors in "I, Origins" are young and beautiful. Even the lab rat, played by Brit Marling, who starred in director Mike Cahill's prior and debut film "Another Earth," cannot hide her exceptional beauty behind glasses and sweats or a pregnancy suit. So if you enjoy seeing beautiful people asking seemingly profound questions in interesting settings, this is your movie.
Like Cahill's "Another Earth," this movie probes profound questions about the human existence. It's beautifully shot (though I think it needs some more editing), well acted by attractive people, and in the end will probably get you thinking. If that sounds like a mystical experience and a good investment of two hours of your time, then this film's something you should see.
We saw this film as part of the Camera Cinema Club series in San Jose.
- steven-leibson
- Jul 20, 2014
- Permalink
HALF ROMANTIC HALF EXISTENTIAL
- barkinunluer
- Dec 19, 2020
- Permalink
I thought this movie was awesome!
- Moviegirlxyz
- Jan 26, 2014
- Permalink
Much feelings
For sure that's a movie which won't let you untroubled. Probably it is better not to know anything about the movie before watching it. For it has surprising (and sometimes sad) moments and takes paths you don't expect at first. The way it is shoot is very poetic, many shots are beautiful and even a little "ethereal", let's say. It made me feel like the movie was some sort of dream. In addition the actors are doing their job quite well, so you're never took outside this strange experience.
Still, this is not perfect, the movie open the thinking for a lot of things without any real and clear conclusion. Sure it fits the general atmosphere of the movie. But in the end, you ask yourself "Did the director had clear thought in mind for this or that ?"
Anyway, it is certainly a good experience and I recommend it ! Especially if you want to discover something unusual and different from mainstream movies.
Still, this is not perfect, the movie open the thinking for a lot of things without any real and clear conclusion. Sure it fits the general atmosphere of the movie. But in the end, you ask yourself "Did the director had clear thought in mind for this or that ?"
Anyway, it is certainly a good experience and I recommend it ! Especially if you want to discover something unusual and different from mainstream movies.
Bloody Brilliant - with an "unforgettable" elevator scene
- A_Different_Drummer
- Dec 4, 2014
- Permalink
I Origins.
This is a neat film that pitted hard core atheistic skepticism with the belief in spirituality, and this is what builds the main characters in this film. What makes this film a good one for me is it's originality and how clever it is. I love sci fi movies especially when it's a story what no one has ever thought up. The actors played their parts very well and from what I can remember there really weren't any dull moments in this film. Now, there's no action or anything like that, there's just drama and a little sci fi suspense. It's a very enjoyable movie that will have you interested in what's going on, no matter what you're beliefs are. If you want to see something different and some what on another level watch this film.
- freshclean-66-318608
- Jan 22, 2015
- Permalink
Beautiful and poignant film that provokes some thoughts about genealogy
Ian (Michael Pitt) is a young doctor mesmerized by the beauty and mystique of the human eye. Together with his collaborator, Karen (Brit Marling), he spends most of his time in his lab. We know little about their back story other than they are work-obsessed researchers who like to keep it in the close circle of a few scientists.
At a costume party, Ian meets Sofi (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey), a model in masquerade with only her eyes exposed. Normally you might not find someone in disguise very charming until you see her face in its entirety. For Ian, however, the intricate details of her eyes are all it takes to fall for her. Her accent, along with her constant need to get her point across in the language and culture that are foreign to hers, works as the catalyst for their romantic relationship.
I Origins takes advantage of Sofi's exotic Argentine-French background, Ian's another coworker of East Asian descent, an Idaho farmer family with African American ancestry, and a story arc in India to lend a sense of universality. The film's story is somewhat predictable, but a bold assumption it makes on human iris patterns helps advance the film steadily and allows for it to resonate with us on a personal level. Regardless how much faith we have in science or fate, this film successfully brings our attention to the complexity of our body which we seldom acknowledge.
At a costume party, Ian meets Sofi (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey), a model in masquerade with only her eyes exposed. Normally you might not find someone in disguise very charming until you see her face in its entirety. For Ian, however, the intricate details of her eyes are all it takes to fall for her. Her accent, along with her constant need to get her point across in the language and culture that are foreign to hers, works as the catalyst for their romantic relationship.
I Origins takes advantage of Sofi's exotic Argentine-French background, Ian's another coworker of East Asian descent, an Idaho farmer family with African American ancestry, and a story arc in India to lend a sense of universality. The film's story is somewhat predictable, but a bold assumption it makes on human iris patterns helps advance the film steadily and allows for it to resonate with us on a personal level. Regardless how much faith we have in science or fate, this film successfully brings our attention to the complexity of our body which we seldom acknowledge.