Original Sin

RalphRahal 3/7/2025 10:00:57PM 8.4

Original Sin (2001) starts off strong with an intriguing setup, stylish cinematography, and some well-framed wide shots that give it a classic, almost dreamlike feel. The direction is solid in the first act, pulling you into a world of mystery and romance, but as the film progresses, it starts to feel a bit uneven. There are moments where the storytelling builds tension effectively, but then it stumbles with some forced scenes that don't entirely fit the character arcs. The script is melodramatic, leaning into its themes of obsession and betrayal, though it sometimes feels more like it's trying to be provocative rather than meaningful. Angelina Jolie carries the film effortlessly, giving a performance that elevates even the weaker parts of the script. Antonio Banderas does well too, but his character feels more reactive than driving the story. The chemistry is there, but certain scenes, especially one in particular, feel out of place given the way the characters were set up earlier. The score complements the film's mood but isn’t particularly memorable. Overall, Original Sin is a stylish but flawed film that keeps you watching, even if it never fully delivers on its initial promise.