I Origins (2014)

A molecular biologist and his laboratory partner uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it.

Director:

Mike Cahill

Writer:

Mike Cahill

Stars:

Michael Pitt, Steven Yeun, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Pitt	...	Ian
Steven Yeun	...	Kenny
Astrid Bergès-Frisbey	...	Sofi
Brit Marling	...	Karen
Dorien Makhloghi	...	7-Eleven Attendant
Charles Woods Gray	...	Marriage Clerk (as Charles W. Gray)
John Schiumo	...	TV Anchor
Farasha Baylock	...	Posh Waitress
Ako	...	Nurse
Christopher Santamaria	...	Baby Tobias
Sebastian Santamaria	...	Baby Tobias
Cara Seymour	...	Dr. Simmons
Rhonda Ayers	...	Waitress
Crystal Dickinson	...	Julie Dairy (as Crystal Anne Dickinson)
Venida Evans	...	Margaret Dairy

Storyline

I Origins begins when graduate student, Ian Gray, is researching the evolution of human eyes with Karen and Kenny, in order to prove that eyes have evolved instead of "appeared" as creationists claim. His fascination with eyes takes him into areas that have profound personal and cultural consequences.

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Plot Keywords:

eye | evolution | reincarnation | elevator | eye identification | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality/nudity, and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ian is shown wearing different eyeglasses as the movie progresses, another example of symbolism relating to the eye, sight, windows to the soul, etc.

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Goofs

When Ian is testing Salomina, he should not be stating whether her answers were correct or not. Instead he should simply tell Karen which picture she chooses - 1, 2 or 3. That way, even though Salomina doesn't know the purpose of the test or how it is judged, her choices cannot be influenced in any way.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Ian: Every living person on this planet has their own unique pair of eyes. Each their own universe. My name is Doctor Ian Gray. I'm a father, and husband, and I'm a scientist. When I was a child, I realized that the camera was designed exactly like the human eye, taking in light through a lens, forming it into images. I began taking as many pictures of eyes as I possibly could. I'd like to tell you the story of the eyes that changed my world.

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Crazy Credits

After the credits, there is a scene depicting the beginning of the process of matching up famous historical figures' eyes with living people's eyes.

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Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Jon Hamm/Brit Marling/Martha Stewart (2014)

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Soundtracks

Driverless Car
Performed by Fall On Your Sword
Written by Will Bates
Published by Fall On Your Sword (ASCAP)

User Reviews

Intelligent, fun, moving and very entertaining movie with great cast

In my opinion the best movie out of Sundance in 2014 (and I watched quite a few). Loved the concept and the cast, movie could be slightly edited to move faster but what a trip! It presents itself as an intelligent broad appeal release, not the typical indie-low budget-gritty product of Sundance. I like more mainstream movies, and loved this movie so my guess is that will resonate with a very large audience when released. The love story is so convincing that casts a haunting spell in the rest of the movie, and the scientific discovery (don't want to spoil the story) is so cool and full of heart that if true in real life would completely change the way we look at life and relationships. Kudos to Fox Searchlight, they seem to be on a roll with award winning titles and out of the box, but mainstream appealing movies.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hindi

Release Date:

19 September 2014 (South Africa)

Also Known As:

I Origins

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$27,652, 20 July 2014

Gross USA:

$336,472

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$481,234

Company Credits

Production Co:

Verisimilitude, WeWork Studios, Bersin Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39:1