Charlie Kaufman offers a glimpse of ‘Orion and The Dark,’ his animated collaboration with Netflix

DreamWorks Animation and Netflix are joining forces to bring to life ‘Orion and The Dark,’ a captivating CG family comedy written by the brilliant Charlie Kaufman and adapted from Emma Yarlett’s beloved 2014 book. This collaboration marks a significant moment, with animator Sean Charmatz making his feature debut in the director’s chair. The film delves into a darkly whimsical narrative, revolving around Orion (voiced by the talented Jacob Tremblay), a typical elementary schooler who grapples with an array of fears, from heights to domestic animals, and the all-encompassing dread of the dark.

The plot takes a delightful twist when the Dark (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser), Orion’s nightly visitor, decides it’s high time to address the young boy’s anxieties. In a whimsical nocturnal adventure, the Dark endeavors to demonstrate to Orion that fear itself is the only thing to fear. The announcement of this exciting venture took center stage at the Annecy Animation Festival, where DreamWorks Animation unveiled three excerpts, providing a sneak peek into a project already well underway. Netflix is set to release the film in 2024.

The first clip introduces us to the neurotic yet endearing Orion as he navigates his day, vocalizing his extensive list of fears like a mantra. From the humorous repetition of his concerns—ranging from rejection and humiliation to murderous gutter clowns—to the transition from rounded 3D edges to rough 2D scribbles, the clip sets the tone for the film’s exploration of Orion’s inner world. The troubled boy’s fears culminate with the nightly arrival of the Dark, who, contrary to expectations, is a convivial character. Undeterred by Orion’s rejection, the Dark, who humorously declares his immortality, takes on the mission of helping Orion overcome his fears.

Subsequent clips delve into Kaufman’s distinct sense of humor, introducing a cameo by or a pitch-perfect impression of Werner Herzog and offering tantalizing glimpses of a broader universe populated by personified late-night phenomena. Characters like Insomnia, Unexpected Noises, and Sleep, the latter depicted as carrying her targets off to slumberland in inventive ways, hint at the film’s rich and imaginative storytelling.

The excerpts not only showcase the film’s narrative depth but also provide a glimpse into its visual elegance. The animation style, especially when portraying the central, non-human character—the Dark—is notable for its artistry. The Dark, depicted as a cloak of black mist, exhibits agility and charm as he soars through the night sky and deftly maneuvers around the beam of a flashlight during Orion’s attempts to dispel him.

In summary, ‘Orion and The Dark’ promises to be a delightful exploration of fear, courage, and the unexpected, with a stellar creative team bringing the imaginative world to life. The film’s rich narrative, coupled with its visually appealing animation style, is sure to captivate audiences when it hits Netflix in 2024.

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