I Origins
A molecular biologist determined to explain the evolution of eyes is drawn into an intimate, unsettling inquiry where scientific certainty meets the possibility of reincarnation.
Overview
A journey through science and spirituality leads to profound revelations about life and existence.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- atmospheric
- intimate
- melancholic
- thoughtful movie night
- indie sci fi evening
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film ambitious and visually striking, but uneven in its attempt to unite romance, thriller elements, science, and metaphysical mystery.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ian's evolutionary eye research increasingly confronts experiences and implications associated with reincarnation and metaphysical mystery.
The film centers its imagery, research, and emotional symbolism on eyes and the act of seeing.
Reincarnation is an explicit keyword and becomes central to the film's movement from romance and science toward metaphysical uncertainty.
The critical reception specifically identifies tragedy as shifting world views, while Ian's scientific commitments are tested by personal consequences.
Films like I Origins, and why
Another Earth
shares a science fiction drama framework, intimate romance, and tension between empirical knowledge and metaphysical mystery
The Fountain
combines romantic loss, scientific investigation, and speculative questions about identity and consciousness in an emotionally serious drama
The Discovery
explores the conflict between rationalism and spiritual belief through a visually stylized, emotionally intense science fiction story
Movie Details
- Director
- Mike Cahill
- Release Date
- 2014-07-18
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (3570)
Cast
- Michael Pitt
- Brit Marling
- Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey
- Steven Yeun
- Archie Panjabi
- Cara Seymour
- Venida Evans
- William Mapother
- Kashish
- Dorien Makhloghi
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is I Origins about?
- A molecular biologist determined to explain the evolution of eyes is drawn into an intimate, unsettling inquiry where scientific certainty meets the possibility of reincarnation.
- What is I Origins like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of I Origins as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is I Origins violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in I Origins.
- What did critics think of I Origins?
- Critics broadly found the film ambitious and visually striking, but uneven in its attempt to unite romance, thriller elements, science, and metaphysical mystery.
- Which films are like I Origins?
- Films with a similar feel include Another Earth, The Fountain, and The Discovery.
- How long is I Origins?
- I Origins runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch I Origins?
- In United States, I Origins is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
