I Origins
Sundance Film Festival
Director: Mike Cahill

It’s extremely rare when a science-fiction film comes along and makes you ponder as you walk out of the exit, “What if that really happened?” Such is the case with director Mike Cahill’s chilling exploration into the existence of the human species. When Dr. Ian Gray (Michael Pitt) becomes infatuated with the mysterious Sofi (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey) after a one-night-stand, the two randomly find each other and become a couple. While Ian is a molecular biologist exploring the origins of the eye to settle the dispute between Creationism and Evolution once and for all with his lab partner, Karen (Brit Marling), Sofi is a believer in the spirit world and the possibility of chance. After a surprising turn of events, Ian moves on with his life with Karen as the two continue to pursue their scientific breakthrough, but, after the birth of their son and some irregularities to their cause, Ian races across the globe to unearth a seemingly impossible fact that could change the way we look at life forever. Cahill poses the question of spirituality versus science in a fascinating viewpoint with polar opposite characters to lead us through the rabbit hole. The further you spiral down Cahill’s abyss of intrigue and deception, both sides of the spectrum of believers and non-believers can easily ask the question, “What if?” “I Origins” is an imaginative and superb addition to Cahill’s deck of mystery cards. With last year’s “After Earth”, the up-and-coming director has a solid two pair in his hand. Here’s hoping the three-of-a-kind comes quickly

– Jimmy Martin

Screening Times:
Saturday, Jan. 25 — 9:30 p.m. • Sale Lake City Library Theatre, Salt Lake City