I Origins (2014) - Mike Cahill

Dr. Ian Gray, a molecular biologist whose research is centered around the evolution of the eye, is a workaholic whose personal life is basically nonexistent.  A chance encounter with Sofi, a beautiful young woman, changes that, with Ian's personal life permeating his work for the first time.  After a devastating tragedy takes Sofi away from Michael, he becomes deeply depressed, with his research being his one outlet where he can find peace.  Along with his lab partner Karen, who Michael becomes intimate with, they make a starting discovery that could effectively shatter both scientific and spiritual beliefs as we know it.  Mike Cahill's I Origins is a film with big ideas that I really wanted to like, but unfortunately it's tought too considering all of the film's shortcomings.  I Origins is a film that attempts to deconstruct the science vs. religion debate, challenging the notion that any human being has the mental capacity to disprove a higher power.  The biggest problem with I Origins is it is a simplistic examination of a very complex issue, using the desperately rational Ian as its subject. The film feels more like a whimsical fantasy film than a serious dissection of man's desire for proof, regardless of how well made the film may be.  From a character/narrative perspective, I found major issues with the structure, as I Origins glosses over Ian's relationship with Sofi, using it simply to exacerbate its themes.  The early part of the film spends a lot of time capturing the love and affection these two had for each other but after Sofia's unexpected death it basically glosses over everything its built.  Make no mistake, Mike Cahill is still a very talented and promising new filmmaker but with I Origins he certaintly bit off more than he could chew, being a film with huge, interesting ideas that unfortunately misses the mark. 

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