Review: ‘Orion and the Dark’ sheds light for young viewers with animated TV movie

Despite the esteemed Charlie Kaufman’s involvement in its adaptation, the animated adventure ‘Orion and the Dark’ presents itself as a mixed bag, offering a narrative that may not fully captivate adult audiences. At its core, the film revolves around Orion, a fifth-grader whose anxieties span from typical school worries to irrational fears of the dark. Voiced by the talented Jacob Tremblay of ‘Wonder’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’ fame, Orion’s character is richly layered with insecurities that resonate with young viewers.

The story delves into Orion’s fears with vivid detail, depicting his nightly struggles against the imagined terrors lurking in the darkness of his room. These scenes are heightened by thunderous sounds and flashes of light, effectively conveying the intensity of Orion’s phobia. His constant attempts to seek solace from his parents only add to the poignancy of his fear, highlighting the universal desire for comfort and security in times of distress.

Enter Dark, the imposing embodiment of the nighttime, voiced by the charismatic Paul Walter Hauser (‘Richard Jewell,’ ‘Cruella’). Dark’s decision to confront Orion’s fear sets the stage for a transformative journey, as the two embark on a nocturnal adventure to confront the very essence of fear itself. Along the way, Orion encounters an eclectic cast of Night Entities, each representing different aspects of the nighttime realm. From Dreams, voiced by the illustrious Angela Bassett, to the mischievous Insomnia portrayed by Nat Faxon, these characters add depth and intrigue to Orion’s journey of self-discovery.

While the narrative unfolds with moments of whimsy and charm, director Sean Charmatz struggles to maintain consistent narrative momentum, resulting in pacing issues that detract from the overall viewing experience. However, the film’s visual prowess remains a standout feature, with stunning animation that captivates audiences, particularly in darker scenes where contrasts are cleverly employed to enhance the visual impact.

Despite its shortcomings, ‘Orion and the Dark’ holds its own as a heartfelt exploration of overcoming fears and embracing the unknown. With Charlie Kaufman’s signature touch evident in the meta-narrative framing, wherein an adult Orion narrates a bedtime story to his daughter, the film offers subtle nods to deeper themes of familial bonds and the passage of wisdom from one generation to the next.

While the inclusion of grown-up touches like Werner Herzog’s narration may appeal to older viewers, it’s clear that ‘Orion and the Dark’ is primarily geared towards younger audiences. Nevertheless, its underlying message of resilience and courage in the face of adversity resonates across age groups, making it a worthwhile watch for families seeking an uplifting tale of conquering fears and discovering inner strength.

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