“Orion and the Dark” (2024) is an animated fantasy adventure film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Netflix. Directed by Sean Charmatz in his feature debut, the film is based on the 2014 children’s book by Emma Yarlett. The screenplay was penned by Charlie Kaufman, known for his work on films like Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The movie premiered at the TUDUM Theater in Los Angeles on January 27, 2024, and was released on Netflix on February 2, 2024
🎬 Key Details
- Title: Orion and the Dark
- Release Date: February 2, 2024 (Netflix)
- Director: Sean Charmatz
- Screenplay: Charlie Kaufman
- Based on: Orion and the Dark by Emma Yarlett
- Producers: Peter McCown, Bonnie Arnold, Walt Dohrn
- Music: Kevin Lax, Robert Lydecker
- Editing: Kevin Sukho Lee
- Runtime: 93 minutes
- Language: English
- Production Companies: DreamWorks Animation, Mikros Animation
- Distributor: Netflix
🧵 Plot Summary
The story follows Orion Mendelson, an 11-year-old boy plagued by a multitude of fears, with darkness being his most profound. One night, Orion is visited by Dark, a personified embodiment of his fear. Dark offers to take Orion on a journey to help him understand and overcome his anxieties. Together, they meet various entities of the night, including Sleep, Insomnia, Quiet, Unexplained Noises, and Sweet Dreams. Through these encounters, Orion learns to appreciate the night and confront his fears. The narrative is framed by an adult Orion recounting the story to his daughter, Hypatia, who is dealing with her own fears. The tale culminates in a metafictional twist, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and facing one’s fears .
🎭 Voice Cast
- Jacob Tremblay as Orion Mendelson
- Paul Walter Hauser as Dark
- Colin Hanks as Adult Orion Mendelson
- Mia Akemi Brown as Hypatia
- Angela Bassett as Sweet Dreams
- Ike Barinholtz as Light
- Natasia Demetriou as Sleep
- Golda Rosheuvel as Unexplained Noises/Debbie
- Nat Faxon as Insomnia
- Aparna Nancherla as Quiet
- Carla Gugino as Orion’s Mom
- Matt Dellapina as Dom Mendelson (Orion’s Dad)
- Shannon Chan-Kent as Adult Hypatia
- Werner Herzog as Narrator
🎨 Animation and Style
The animation was handled by Mikros Animation, with additional work by Paris-based studio Jungler. The film employs a distinctive visual style that blends traditional CGI with hand-painted textures and 2D effects, creating a unique aesthetic that complements its whimsical narrative .Wikipedia
🎶 Music and Soundtrack
Composers Kevin Lax and Robert Lydecker crafted the film’s musical score, blending orchestral elements with electronic music to reflect the movie’s themes of fear and wonder. The soundtrack enhances the emotional depth of the story and underscores the transformative journey of the protagonist
🏆 Reception and Accolades
Orion and the Dark received positive reviews from critics, who praised its inventive storytelling, voice performances, and exploration of complex themes. The film holds a favorable rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics highlighting its ambition and emotional resonance . Some reviews noted that while the film’s narrative could be dense, its heartfelt message and creative execution made it a standout in animated cinema .Rotten Tomatoes
Orion and the Dark stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in addressing childhood fears and the journey towards self-discovery. Its blend of humor, heart, and imagination offers a compelling experience for audiences of all ages.
