ORION AND THE DARK – “An existential animated gem”

Orion-and-the-Dark

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: Sean Charmatz (Feature Directorial Debut)

MAIN CAST

• Jacob Tremblay as Orion
• Colin Hanks as Adult Orion
• Paul Walter Hauser as Dark
• Angela Bassett as Sweet Dreams
• Ike Barinholtz as Light
• Natasia Demetriou as Sleep
• Golda Rosheuvel as Unexplained Noises
• Nat Faxon as Insomnia
• Aparna Nancherla as Quiet
• Carla Gugino as Orion's Mom

SYNOPSIS

It is based on the children's book of the same name by Emma Yarlett.

The thing Orion fears the most is the dark. When the embodiment of his worst fear pays a visit, Dark whisks Orion away on a roller-coaster ride around the world to prove there is nothing to be afraid of at night.

REVIEW SUMMARY

With a screenplay from Charlie Kauffman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Orion and the Dark is an existential animated gem. The family feature plays as a unique introspection into what makes life worth living. And, if that sounds pretty heavy for a kid’s movie, you’re not entirely wrong. Luckily, the film is full of likeable characters and wackadoodle journeys. It’s equal parts hectic and heartfelt. It’s the type of children’s cinema that has substance and will truly nourish. I should probably mention it’s not just for kids – this is a multi-generational narrative that will surely touch everyone who watches it. Afterall, the themes around facing one’s fears are universal. And, you’re likely to experience more than a few tear drops rolling down your cheek by the end. Adding to the emotion and charm of it all is some stellar animation. The 2D and 3D animated style blending really works – adding yet another aspect that sets it apart from other cartoon fare (Minions it’s not). When it comes to choosing the next film for your kids (or self), don’t be afraid of Orion and the Dark.

BOX OFFICE TOP 5

ThumbIcon_Volcano_1

7.5

Moana 2
$135.5 million

ThumbIcon_Volcano_1

8

Wicked
$80 million

ThumbIcon_Volcano_1

8.5

Gladiator 2
$30.7 million

ThumbIcon_Flame_2

6

Red One
$12.9 million

ThumbIcon_Flame_2

-

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
$3.3 million

RECENT FEED