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Origin Rethinks the Subject of Race

Inspired by Isabel Wilkerson's 'Caste,' filmmaker Ava DuVernay builds upon the bestseller to challenge conventional perspectives on racism.

Plot
7.5
Script
7.5
Directing
7
Acting
8
Reader Rating0 Votes
0
Pros
Fresh perspective on race
Strong performances
Cons
John Bernthal didn’t Punish the racists
7.5

It’s easy to label discrimination toward individuals of different ethnic or religious backgrounds as ‘racism.’ Origin revolves around a fiercely intelligent Black woman who challenges the status quo of race, by uncovering something deeper, more consistent behind the various systems of hate and oppression beyond the ‘r’ word.

The film ambitiously draws parallels between the discrimination faced by certain social groups throughout history, such as Black people in America, Jews during World War II, and Dalits in India.

I call it ambitious, because the film outright hooks you at the start, by flat out rejecting the planned murder of a Black teen as ‘racism,’ which might touch a few nerves. But the film argues, that instead of ‘racism,’ ‘caste’ is more appropriate for understanding hierarchical systems based on invented values about people.

Origin studies the patterns of social inequalities of these three groups. And it truly raises important thoughts like “It can’t just be about race. Jews are also white. Dalits are also Indians.” (FYI: Origin doesn’t neglect that racism based on skin colour exists.)

If this movie reaches a wider audience, I genuinely believe it will prompt people to start thinking and talking. The film might initially feel complex. You encounter a conflicted protagonist trying to make sense of injustices, and terms like ‘systematic racism’ and ‘extermination’ are thrown around.

But the beauty lies in how, as the protagonist seeks clarity in her thesis, the film begins doing the same, presenting its ambitious argument in a straight-forward manner. And, thanks to some solid performances, this is where you truly witness the emotional impact that caste has on those subjected to bigoted systems.

In terms of storytelling, Origin doesn’t have the twists and turns typical of a summer flick, but its engagement stems from how invested you are in its perspective. And, also, too many narrative quirks would risk cheapening the story. 

Not every biopic deserves or needs to be made into a film, but Origin truly offers a fresh perspective on race. It’s out in theatres now, so catch it over the long weekend!