Last night, I watched the movie Origins, based on Isabel Wilkerson’s book Caste. As someone who proudly calls herself a book nerd, lately, I’ve felt more like a book dragon. You know, the kind that hoards books, collecting so many that they sometimes end up in different homes. Here’s the deal, I recently moved and left some of my beloved books behind, including Caste. The thickness of it intimidated me, but after watching the movie, I feel an overwhelming urge to dive into the book.

Movie Overview

Origins is an emotional and thought-provoking adaptation that had me in tears, particularly because I’ve been having a tough week and the movie touched on grief and discovery in a way that I related to so much. Ava DuVernay is a genius. The film creatively interlaces Wilkerson’s family life, personal grief, and meticulous research into a format that feels part documentary, part narrative. It’s a genius way to engage viewers, educating and entertaining them simultaneously.

The Power of Creative Storytelling

One of the aspects I loved most about Origins is its out-of-the-box storytelling approach. It beautifully blends the author’s personal losses—her partner, mother, and later her cousin—with her journey to uncover historical connections between caste systems around the world and the systemic racism in the United States. This creative fusion is both refreshing and enlightening, showcasing how personal pain can drive significant scholarly work.

Relatable Moments

As an author, I deeply related to Wilkerson’s struggles to articulate her thesis to others, especially in the early stages. There’s a poignant scene where she tries to explain her book to two editors, despite being in a vulnerable state. It reminded me of the initial chaos I feel when starting a new story, struggling to sort out my thoughts and communicate them effectively.

The Thesis of Caste

Wilkerson argues that the caste system, rather than just race, underpins the chaos and inequality in the United States. She compares the American caste system to those in Nazi Germany and India, showing how hierarchies are established to keep one group at the top and others at the bottom. This perspective was particularly resonant for me, given my experience within hierarchical institutions.

The Analogy of a House

A powerful moment in the movie is when Wilkerson compares our society to a house we’ve inherited. We didn’t build it, but we live in it now, and its cracks are our responsibility to fix. This analogy addresses common deflections like “My ancestors didn’t own slaves,” emphasizing that we must take ownership of the current societal structures we inhabit.

Final Thoughts

Origins not only vindicates Wilkerson’s thesis but also empowers viewers to acknowledge and address the systemic issues we face today. The film’s success—reflected in Caste staying on the New York Times bestseller list for 52 weeks—proves the importance and impact of her work. It teaches us that understanding our past is crucial to making meaningful changes in the present.

Watching Origins has reignited my desire to read Caste. Whether I buy another copy or retrieve mine from my other home, I know it’s a book I need to immerse myself in. The movie’s insights and emotional depth are a testament to Wilkerson’s brilliance, and I highly recommend both the film and the book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our societal structures.

What do y’all think about the movie or the book? Share your thoughts below!

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