Acclaimed director Ava DuVernay, known for her remarkable works in Selma and A Wrinkle in Time, returns to the director's chair with Origin. The emotional drama features the esteemed Oscar-nominated star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor leading a stellar ensemble cast. Neon recently unveiled the touching tale through a poignant trailer, inviting viewers into the evocative world of Origin.

Origin is the adaptation of best-selling novel

Origin, based on Isabel Wilkerson's bestselling 2020 novel, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, navigates the fearless journey of Isabel, portrayed by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The narrative delves into Isabel's personal crisis, channeling her turmoil into an emotional odyssey of healing by aiding others while grappling with her own troubled past.

In the 2:24-minute trailer, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, as Isabel, narrates her compelling life story, shedding light on the inevitability of heartbreak in friendships and love. Her character, a dedicated author, confronts personal grief while awakening society to the harsh realities of racial discrimination and hate crimes.

Director Ava DuVernay weaves a compelling narrative, emphasising the significance of facing trauma rather than evading it. The trailer intricately embeds shots from India and the era of Nazi occupation, exploring racial stereotypes that perilously divide nations, drawing parallels between India's caste system and the Nazi regime's discrimination.

Who will feature in Origin?

The star-studded lineup includes Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor at the forefront, accompanied by Jon Bernthal, Niecy Nash-Betts, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Nick Offerman, Blair Underwood, Finn Wittrock, Jasmine Cephas-Jones, and Connie Nielsen in pivotal roles.

Origin has garnered acclaim, particularly praising Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor's exceptional performance in portraying the struggles of the novel's author, Isabel. Presently, the movie premieres in selected theaters, with a broader release scheduled for January 19, 2024. The film is written and directed by Ava DuVernay.