Origin is Ava DuVernay’s 2023 biographical drama adapted from Isabel Wilkerson’s bestselling nonfiction book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. The film had a limited, awards-qualifying theatrical release starting December 8, 2023, then opened wide across the United States on January 19, 2024. It is not part of a franchise, but it continues Ava DuVernay’s run of socially conscious dramas following Selma and When They See Us. Origin earned strong reviews from critics (around 80% positive on Rotten Tomatoes, with an even higher 97% audience score) even though it struggled commercially, grossing under $5 million domestically against a $38 million budget. The original score is by composer Kris Bowers, released digitally by Lakeshore Records on January 19, 2024.
Genres: Drama, History, Biography
Release date: December 8, 2023 (limited, US) / January 19, 2024 (wide, US) / February 9, 2024 (United Kingdom)
Official Synopsis: Origin follows journalist Isabel Wilkerson as she connects the caste systems that shaped the Jim Crow South, Nazi Germany, and the Indian caste system, uncovering the unspoken hierarchy that continues to define lives in America today.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Ava DuVernay |
| Writer | Ava DuVernay |
| Based on | Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson |
| Composer | Kris Bowers |
| Starring | Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Niecy Nash-Betts, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Blair Underwood, Nick Offerman |
| Studio / Distributor | ARRAY Filmworks / Neon |
| Release Date | December 8, 2023 (limited) / January 19, 2024 (wide) |
| Runtime | 2h 21m |
| Rotten Tomatoes | ~80% critics / 97% audience |
Who Composed the Origin Score
Kris Bowers wrote the original score for Origin. Bowers is a Grammy- and Emmy-winning composer and pianist known for Green Book, King Richard, The Color Purple (2023), Bridgerton, Secret Invasion, When They See Us, and Dear White People. Bowers has called his work on Origin one of the most personal scores of his career, and singled out the six-minute piano cue “Leaves” — first heard when Isabel Wilkerson’s character learns her husband has died — as among the most meaningful pieces he has written.
Origin Soundtrack Track List
Lakeshore Records released the official Origin score album digitally on January 19, 2024, the same day the film opened wide. Here is the full track list:
| # | Track | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | August | 2:10 |
| 2 | Followed | 3:03 |
| 3 | Leaves | 5:19 |
| 4 | I Don’t See It | 2:02 |
| 5 | Burning Books | 3:58 |
| 6 | I Think It’s Sweet | 3:50 |
| 7 | Deep South | 3:20 |
| 8 | Keys | 4:44 |
| 9 | Arrival | 2:10 |
| 10 | Cover Me | 3:38 |
| 11 | Firewall | 6:02 |
| 12 | Al Bright | 4:02 |
| 13 | Set Us Free | 6:02 |
Separate from the score album, New Zealand singer Stan Walker released an original song titled “I Am” as a digital single in November 2023, timed to the film’s release, though it is not part of the official Lakeshore Records score album.
Official Trailer:
Where to Stream Origin
Origin was released theatrically by Neon before moving to digital rental/purchase platforms and, later, streaming. The Origin score by Kris Bowers is available to stream on Apple Music and Amazon Music. For the film itself, check our Prime Video and streaming hubs for current availability, since indie theatrical releases like this one rotate between rental platforms before landing on a subscription service.
Cast
- Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Isabel Wilkerson
- Jon Bernthal as Brett Hamilton
- Niecy Nash-Betts as Marion
- Vera Farmiga as Kareszt
- Audra McDonald as Ruby Hale
- Blair Underwood as Aubrey
- Nick Offerman as August
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the Origin soundtrack?
Kris Bowers composed the original score for Origin, released digitally by Lakeshore Records on January 19, 2024.
Is Origin based on a true story?
Yes. The film dramatizes journalist Isabel Wilkerson’s real-life research and writing process for her nonfiction book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, published in 2020.
What is the book Origin is based on actually called?
The book is titled Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. It was a #1 New York Times bestseller and Oprah’s Book Club pick.
Did Origin do well at the box office?
No. Despite strong critical reviews, Origin made under $5 million domestically against a reported $38 million budget, making it a commercial disappointment.
Is there a song called “I Am” in Origin?
Yes. Singer Stan Walker released an original song titled “I Am” as a digital single in November 2023 to accompany the film’s release, separate from Kris Bowers’ score album.
Related reading: Movie Soundtracks | Streaming Guide | Prime Video