Charlie Kaufman, the mastermind behind mind-bending stories like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Being John Malkovich, has taken a delightful detour into the world of animation with Orion and the Dark.
This Netflix gem, penned by Kaufman, explores a different realm of fear, shifting from the existential dread of adulthood to the universal terror of the dark, a fear even the bravest of young minds grapple with.
Directed by Sean Charmatz, making his feature directorial debut, Orion and the Dark is a whimsical animated fantasy adventure comedy that brings to life the beloved children’s book by Emma Yarlett. The film boasts a stellar voice cast, including Jacob Tremblay as the titular Orion, alongside talents like Angela Bassett, Paul Walter Hauser, and Colin Hanks.
At the heart of the story is Orion, a young boy who confronts his fear of the dark with the help of fantastical friends like Sweet Dreams, Light, Insomnia, Quiet, and Sleep. As he embarks on a journey to vanquish the enigmatic Dark (voiced by Hauser), Orion learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the power of imagination.
Orion and the Dark has garnered widespread acclaim since its release, soaring to the second spot on Netflix’s global top ten list of films. It is in the top ten charts of 80 countries, including the UK, USA, New Zealand, and Australia. It’s not just a hit with audiences worldwide; critics have also showered praise on the film, applauding Charlie Kaufman’s screenplay for its ambition and willingness to grapple with existential themes in a format accessible to all ages.
With a stellar score composed by Robert Lydecker and Kevin Lax, the film immerses viewers in a magical world where fears are conquered through creativity and camaraderie. Whether you’re a child battling monsters under the bed or an adult wrestling with anxieties in the dark, Orion and the Dark is a heartwarming reminder that courage comes in all shapes and sizes.
So, dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and join Orion on an adventure that will illuminate the darkest corners of your imagination. You can stream Orion and the Dark on Netflix and catch the trailer here:
