Science and religion needn’t be at odds with each other. That seems to be the overall message from the sci-fi romance, I Origins. Written, directed and produced by Mike Cahill (Other Earth). The ambitious film examines the age old question of our existence within the familiar boy meets girl, boy loses girl narrative and does so in a refreshingly original fashion.
The film opens with an array of eyes photographed by Ian Gray (Michael Pitt), a molecular biologist who is obsessed with them and the discovery they might hold. For many years there’s been an ongoing debate on the structure of the eye. Too advanced to replicate, it is believed the eye’s complexity proves God’s existence. Ian Grey believes differently however. A man of science, he sets out to prove the eye’s evolution.To help him with this quest is like-minded lab partner, Karen (Brit Marling).
One serendipitous evening, Ian meets an exotic girl at a Halloween party who disappears shortly after he’s photographed her striking eyes. Eventually he finds her again and the pair become inseparable. But since Sofi (Astrid Bergés-Frisbey) is free spirited and spiritual her views begin to cause conflict in the relationship.
Without giving away too much, something happens to end their relationship. Fast forward several years into the future. Sofi’s exact eye pattern shows up in India, which is scientifically impossible considering that our eyes are unique.
Since I certainly don’t want to give the entire film away, I’ll stop there.
What I liked about I Origins, is that the film didn’t deteriorate into the typical religion is right and science is wrong, or vise versa, debate. Through Ian and Sofi, each side was represented and neither character was unlikable for the beliefs they hold. Another thing worth noting is the strong female characters. Karen, played wonderfully by Brit Marling, was Ian’s equal and although it was apparent she was attracted to her superior early on, she wasn’t jealous of Ian’s love for Sofi.
But it’s the performances that really complete the movie. Known mostly for unconventional characters he’s portrayed Michael Pitt (Boardwalk Empire) was very convincing as a scientist and Astrid Bergés-Frisbey was absolutely charming. Steven Yeun, (Walking Dead) who played Ian’s best friend Kenny, stole every scene he was in as the film’s comic relief. And of course I mentioned Brit Marling earlier.
So, if you are tired of big budget special effects films, check out I Origins. It’s sure to enrich your soul.
I Origins opened July 18th and is in limited release.
