New to Netflix from today is the animated children’s movie, Orion and the Dark. Directed by Sean Charmatz and written by Charlie Kaufman, the movie features the vocal talents of Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, Colin Hanks, Angela Bassett, Ike Barinholtz, Carla Gugino, and follows the story of a young boy named Orion, who has an overwhelming sense of fear.
In the film, Orion is a timid school kid who is afraid of everything – from flooding the toilet to giving the wrong answer in class and being laughed at. Orion is also afraid of falling off a skyscraper, murderous clowns, and bees.
Orion has so many irrational fears they are controlling his life. But nothing makes him more afraid than the dark.
One night, while preparing himself to go through yet another night of utter darkness, Orion is visited by Dark. Dark isn’t just the absence of light, he’s a supernatural entity and a seemingly nice guy too.
Aware that Orion is afraid of him, Dark proposes a suggestion: Go to work with him and see there really is nothing to fear. After a bit of soul searching, Orion reluctantly agrees and the two set off on an adventure of self-discovery.
Featuring fun animation, a strong voice cast, and some colourful characters, Orion and the Dark is a delightful animated movie from DreamWorks Animation. Based on the children’s book of the same name by Emma Yarlett, the film looks at irrational fears and how they can seem all encompassing to those of a certain age.
Aimed at a family audience, but with its eye firmly on the youngest members of the household, Orion and the Dark is a warm hug of a film. It shines a light on all the things that go bump in the night, and does it’s best to show there is nothing to fear.
Playing out like a Pixar movie more so than a traditional DreamWorks film, Orion and the Dark offers up a universal tale which zeroes in on insecurities and emotions. Yet while this is a universal story, with recognisable characters, it maintains a personal approach throughout.
The film also boasts a fairly gentle tone, making it suitable for nighttime viewing. Yes, it does have occasional moments of peril, including a dramatic sequence toward the end, but for the most part this is relaxing stuff which kids can watch in bed before visiting the Land of Nod.
A big part of the relaxing nature of this film can be found in the musical score by Kevin Lax and Robert Lydecker. There is an ethereal quality to the music, which gives the soundtrack a light, pleasing touch.
Combined with bright visuals, the music and the imagery come together in wonderful harmony. Sure, there’s nothing groundbreaking here, but there is the perfect marriage of sound and design and this elevates the picture.
The story also works well, and while it is fairly simple in its approach, it does exactly the job it needs to. This film doesn’t have to be complex, it simply has to tell a relatable tale and it does this perfectly fine.
Orion and the Dark offers enjoyable viewing for young audiences and a likeable watch for parents. Adults will most likely give this film a single viewing before moving on, but with its hypnotic music and colourful imagery kids will return several times.
This isn’t a huge movie, so don’t go into it expecting lofty ideas and big drama, but if you’re after some light entertainment you should have no problems. Orion and the Dark is a likeable picture, and one with plenty of charm.
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