Origin of the Species

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.

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.

Actually, my review below makes more sense if the original pseudo word "heaviosity" isn't spell-checked and turned into "heavyset" :). It's a word that Woody Allen coined in one of his movies (I forget which) to denote excessive gravity and self-importance. What I intended to emphasize is that "Origin of the Species" isn't a somber movie by any means, even though it does contain some serious themes. It's summery, easy to watch, even fun--and the beautiful cinematography is like a love letter to suburban New York state. The movie manages to convey character conflict and growth without turning the whole process into a slog. This is a harder feat than it may look. Highly recommended!

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.

I saw this a few years ago and it has STAYED with me. Not only is the cinematography excellent, but Amanda Peet shines. So does the entire ensemble. You watch this movie, rapt, riveted, and laughing about bonobos' sex lives, and then suddenly you feel sobered and you're soul searching and wondering whether you, like these characters, can truly account for each passing birthday. It's really a movie about growing up, like it or not, and how hard that can be. That's one reason why I loved the scene, at the beginning, of children jumping into a beautiful lake.

At the end it's the adults who plunge in. I think the filmmakers are trying to say that we all have a childlike spirit within us that keeps us young but also sometimes keeps us from growing up.

I totally recommend