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IMDbPro

Origin of the Species

  • 1998
  • R
  • 1h 32m
IMDb RATING
4.5/10
194
YOUR RATING
Origin of the Species (1998)
ComedyDrama

A weekend in a summer house, where six late twenties friends have reunited. A series of life crises force them to confront their relationships and lives, leading them to discover what it rea... Read allA weekend in a summer house, where six late twenties friends have reunited. A series of life crises force them to confront their relationships and lives, leading them to discover what it really means to grow up.A weekend in a summer house, where six late twenties friends have reunited. A series of life crises force them to confront their relationships and lives, leading them to discover what it really means to grow up.

  • Director
    • Andres Heinz
  • Writer
    • Rob Ackerman
  • Stars
    • Elon Gold
    • Jean Louisa Kelly
    • Michael Kelly
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    4.5/10
    194
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Andres Heinz
    • Writer
      • Rob Ackerman
    • Stars
      • Elon Gold
      • Jean Louisa Kelly
      • Michael Kelly
    • 10User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos1

    View Poster

    Top cast17

    Edit
    Elon Gold
    Elon Gold
    • Paul
    Jean Louisa Kelly
    Jean Louisa Kelly
    • Laura
    Michael Kelly
    Michael Kelly
    • Fisher
    Jonathan LaPaglia
    Jonathan LaPaglia
    • Stan
    Amanda Peet
    Amanda Peet
    • Julia
    Sybil Darrow
    Sybil Darrow
    • Kate
    • (as Sybil Temchen)
    Bobby Ackerman
    • Cake Maker
    Elizabeth Ackerman
    • Kid
    Emme Ackerman
    • Donut Girl
    John Corba
    • Kate's Temptor
    Sam Deutsch
    • Kid
    Brendan Doyle
    • Kate's Temptor
    Jesse Garfinkel
    • Kid
    Arthur E. Marcolin
    • Kate's Temptor
    • (as Arthur Marcolin)
    Elizabeth Sederbaum
    • Kid
    Christopher Woodyard
    • Kid
    Laura Woodyard
    • Kid
    • Director
      • Andres Heinz
    • Writer
      • Rob Ackerman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews10

    4.5194
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    Featured reviews

    3jennifer_forst

    Lacking...

    I beg to differ on the 'praises' that were given towards this movie. Right away "Paul" got on my nerves with his constant talk about Darwin and evolution of species (while Yes I do realize that was to be mentioned give the title but it was taken to the extreme) While there were some notable scenes I feel that this movie was too 'all over' Talk of Banoboes left me saying "Huh" I found myself left with many unanswered questions at the end of the movie, and rather annoyed that certain issues weren't addressed that were made out to be a significant part of the plot. I would not recommend this film. If you want to see Amanda Peet 'shine' stick with A Lot Like Love...now there's a movie to be seen!
    10USAGorillaz

    Easing out of Eden?

    This is a coming-of-age story for recent generations (baby boomers forward), for whom a substantial amount of maturing often takes place post-college. While dealing with various personal decisions, six friends try to figure out exactly how one grows up without growing old. The setting, a house in the verdant and upscale NYC suburbs, is made to look positively Edenic--surely, a conscious choice on the part of the filmmakers, though not one that beats us over the head.

    Lest "Origin of the Species" sound fraught with heavyset (to borrow from Woody Allen), all this is presented with a remarkably light touch, a cast of engaging characters, and plenty of humor. Since making the film, several of the actors have gone on to greater success, and their performances here show why.
    9tara-rodman

    Wonderful movie!

    Origin is about six very real people in their late twenties who are spinning their wheels and not really getting anywhere in their lives. I felt like I knew them --like they all could have been friends. This is a film for anyone who has ever felt too young--or too old--or both. And I would wholeheartedly recommend it. It also really makes you feel the joy of summertime--and of downtime--and since it's the middle of a year at college in my real life, I appreciated that too. Origin is the kind of film that leaves you thinking about who your friends are, and how they became your friends, and whether you'll be able to--and want to--stay close forever.
    9TobyM

    This is a great movie!!!!

    like many people, i'm a huge Amanda Peet fan so i ordered this DVD from Amazon...what a great little film!

    it's a fresh, funny movie about young people getting together for a long weekend full of relationships, romance and skinny dipping...if you liked your parent's VHS copy of The Big Chill, you'll love it!

    Amanda Peet is great...as is Elon Gold, who is in the new Pamela Anderson sitcom "Stacked" and the girl from "Yes, Dear" is her usual adorable self

    this movie is such a refreshing find, i can't believe more video stores aren't stocking it...but maybe it's just my local Blockbuster that's behind the times

    anyway, if you like comedy, great writing, great acting and the bushy-browed beauty known as Amanda Peet, you will love "Origin of the Species"
    10cathroos

    witty, compelling, and original

    Origin of the species is a wonderful, funny relationship movie. It is one of Amanda Peet's first film. If you are a fan, this is a must see. The dialogue (an early work for author Robert Ackerman) is witty, compelling, and original. Snuggle up with your sweetie, grab some popcorn, and enjoy!!! I particularly enjoyed the Darwinian themes that are interwoven with the development of the relationship themes. The movie is well cast. The actors clearly develop a camaraderie and personal chemistry that enhances the plot.The setting is absolutely beautiful. This movie is a feast for the senses as well as the mind. I absolutely loved this movie. It is one of my all-time favorites.

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    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Soundtracks
      I Hate My Generation
      Written by David Lowery and Johnny Hickman

      Performed by Cracker

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • 1998 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Friends Forever
    • Filming locations
      • Westchester County, New York, USA
    • Production company
      • Nickoll Arcade Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 32m(92 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Ultra Stereo

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