In a rare instance, “Origin” was a movie I saw at least one preview about, going in. Did I see anything appealing about it? Well, I DID see how it might generate some buzz or controversy. As a white man, myself, I have almost total awareness of the affects of my own state of racial fragility, but where does THAT come from?

To clear the air, “Origin” will do nothing to explain where fragility comes from in white people, today, and why should it? It is not the fault or responsibility of anyone else to deal with…in my view, anyway. Perhaps, there are other things we have not, yet, dealt with. So, we cannot, truly, address it, YET…

From the outset, I had my concerns about the direction of the film. The opening scene showed an obvious character; someone which I had not thought about in a number of years. Although this looked like it might set the tone for the remainder of the movie, it really did not; not in the way I thought it would. Certain details were left out of the story and I think it was appropriate to do so.

 “Origin” is directed and written by Ava DuVernay (“A Wrinkle in Time”). Tha material is based on “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” by Isabel Wilkerson (“The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration”). DuVernay also co-produced this film, along with Paul Garnes (“Selma”). The movie examines how the original author obtained her inspiration and material for the book this film is based on, though I wonder if the book goes into all these details or not. If that tells you anything about my lack of reading experience, then the answer is probably more obvious.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”) portrays Isabell Wilkerson. The familiar Jon Bernthal (“Sharp Stick”) is Brett Hamilton, Wilkerson’s husband. Though a small role, it is an important one. Beyond this, there is: Niecy Nash-Betts (“Beauty”) as Marion Wilkerson, Emily Yancy (“Jasper, Texas”) as Ruby Wilkerson, Finn Wittrock (“Luckiest Girl Alive”) as August Landmesser, Victoria Pedretti (“Shirley”) as Irma Eckler and Jasmine Cephas Jones (“Honest Thief”) as Elizabeth Davis. The list goes on, of course. Vera Farmiga (“The May Saints of Newark”) is Kate, an investor of sorts who has the power of influence in Isabell’s authorship, which has its share of racial tension, though no one intentionally means any harm. Nick Offerman (“Sing 2”), who has had quite a year for himself in 2023, plays Dave the Plumber. We can observe certain stereotypes, just based on his appearance, but plenty is left up to the imagination once he opens his mouth and I think that spells what I like most about “Origin;” its ambiguity.

Isabell goes through her fair share of tragedy as she is attempting to put her latest book together. Noticeable is the fact that her two greatest works are 10 years apart in publication. As a writer, this is something I can relate to. It takes a lot of energy and thought and work to put it all together. Pardon the repetition. What I gather is that Isabell learned a lot, not just from the places she went to in Europe, but the people she interacted with. Some of these people do not seem to understand or appreciate the modern American ideals and seems o even assume that they are better than us, just because they are NOT American. Just through observation, it is clear that this is a falsity, at face value.

When it is all said and done, “Origin” can be a bit confusing in its process of how things have unfolded in society at large. I feel that Isabell Wilkerson is an honest individual. She seems self-reflective, not just as a woman of color, but as an individual and I respect that. To me, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s performance is worthy of high praise, as she all but carries the film. It was very slow, at times, and quite sad, but relevant.

“Origin” is good, but falls short of being great. I needed more than just a great acting performance. “American Fiction” rates much higher for what it is, in my view, and I would hope that most critics and moviegoers will agree. I learned some things, but I could not say if it changed my outlook or made a difference in my life. I will just leave it at that.

Director: Ava DuVernay

Screenwriter: DuVernay

Based on: Caste—The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabell Wilkerson

Starring: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nick Offerman and Blair Underwood (“Really Love”)

Distributor: Neon

Release date: September 6^th, 2023 (Venice) and December 8^th, 2023 (United States)