THE ORIGIN OF EVIL: A Cunning Familial Thriller

The Origin of Evil unfolds patiently, and while its slow build may challenge some viewers, it’s a film that, once it captivates you, doesn’t let go.

The title is intriguing, as it evokes a sense of horror, but in reality, it poses questions. What is the origin? How does our heritage shape us? It prompts the audience to ponder these questions through its focus on familial roots.

Meet the Family

Stéphane (Laure Calamy), spends her days working at a sardine-tinning factory and faces eviction while her incarcerated girlfriend adds to her troubles. In her desperation, she decides to track down her wealthy, restauranteur father. 

In her pursuit of her estranged father Serge (Jacques Weber), her revelation as his abandoned daughter stirs up tension, particularly among Serge’s existing family, including his wife (Dominique Blanc), another daughter (Doria Tillier), and granddaughter (Céleste Brunnquell) while the watchful housekeeper, Agnes (Véronique Ruggia Saura), adds an intriguing element to the household dynamics.

Serge, dealing with his own frustrations and aging, grapples with whether to pass on his business and finances. He insists he’s still retaining his mental capacity and refuses to hand over the keys. His kindness toward Stéphane exacerbates jealousy and tension among the house’s icy, stubborn, women.

Dysfunctional Disorder

Written and directed by Sébastien Marnier, the film maintains an enigmatic atmosphere, occasionally testing the audience but ultimately delivering a satisfying payoff. It employs engaging split-screen techniques and is visually enriched by Romain Carcanade‘s cinematography.

The film excels in character development as it reveals their darker sides. The performances, especially from the new family members, are delightfully over the top, making their verbal clashes a joy to watch. 

The eccentric script portrays the family in quirky yet malicious ways, sometimes veering into the ludicrous. The Origin of Evil is hilarious, approaching events with a campy, near-parodic flair.

While its exploration of class disparities and family dynamics isn’t flawless, it’s commendable in its intent. The film effectively delves into these themes within its fractured systems, drawing comparisons to Succession or Knives Out while maintaining its own unique narrative.

This is a family riddled with lies and secrets, with Stéphane herself being dishonest. Laure Calamy delivers a fantastic performance, while some other characters could benefit from deeper exploration. Nonetheless, the relationships between them all are delightfully engaging.

Viewed through a queer female lens, The Origin of Evil presents an intriguing mystery and finds its distinctive voice. The lively score by Philippe Brault and Pierre Lapointe contrasts with on-screen interactions and adds depth to the experience. It’s a twisting story, brimming with decadence and sharp, sly humor.

The film occasionally veers into heavy-handed melodrama, but it remains tonally consistent. The Origin of Evil suffers from a bloated runtime, but by its final scenes, that issue doesn’t linger too heavily. Amid the comical lines, there’s an underlying sense of foreboding. The movie flits from thought-provoking to overblown with an ending that is dark and vicious.

Conclusion:

It’s pulpy, part noir, and full of surprises that are sure to entertain.  The Origin of Evil is a slow-burning, deliciously dark, and comical thriller with layers to savor.

The Origin of Evil was released in theaters on September 22nd. 

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