Orion and the Darkness Review | When imagination and courage overcome fear

Orion and the Dark, new animation by DreamWorks on Netflix, talks about the importance of imagination and courage to overcome our fears

Owner of a long list of successful animations, DreamWorks Animation has just launched its new children’s film, Orion and the Darkness. Title arrived last Friday (2) on Netflix, the feature film is one of those productions that speak directly to children, but which still sends an important (and more necessary) message to adults.

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Based on the children’s book by Emma Yarlett, the production quickly attracted attention thanks to its partnership with Mikros Animation (producer responsible for films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem AND The Tiger’s Apprentice), but also by the presence of director Charlie Kaufman (Eternal light of the pure mind) in the project roadmap.

A writer who has always dealt with very existentialist themes – and who became famous in Hollywood for the depth of his works -, Kaufman had previously ventured into the world of animation, but had never delved into works aimed at children.

The animation born from this good mix is ​​a fun and light film to watch, where imagination is the raw material for everything that happens. Although it is a universal theme that affects children and adults, “paralyzing fear”, the production takes unexpected turns and tells the story of a learning that we have already been waiting for in an original and magical way.

An adventure with the Darkness

Directed by newcomer Sean Charmatz, Orion and the Darkness Follow in the footsteps of Orion, a boy with a fertile imagination, who is afraid of everything. His long list of fears includes common childhood difficulties, such as responding to something wrong in class or approaching his platonic love, but also inexplicable fears such as being attacked by bees or accidentally falling from a skyscraper.

One day, when he has difficulty sleeping due to the “dangers lurking in the shadows”, the boy is surprised by the personification of his greatest fear: the Dark. A much more sympathetic figure than Orion could have anticipated, the Dark One is tired of Orion’s irrational fear of everything and, therefore, decides to bring the boy to his work so he can see him in action.

Together, the two embark on a nocturnal adventure full of ups and downs, which initially causes attacks of fear and anxiety in Orion, but, little by little, turns out to be a real opportunity for him to face the challenges head-on. his fears.

An unexpected help

In the midst of this journey of discovery, which changes not only the boy, but also the Dark One (who, let’s be clear, suffers from self-esteem problems), other very curious characters also join the duo’s journey.

Very important figures for the proper functioning of the night, Sleep (Natasia Demetriou), Insomnia (Nat Faxon), Silence (Aparna Nancherla), Inexplicable Noises (Golda Rosheuvel) and Sweet Dreams (Angela Bassett) bring different perspectives on the history of Orion. and, in a very playful way, shows the entire universe of riches that exists after dark.

In addition to them, the film also features other characters who broaden the scope of the story and make the plot take an unexpected path, much more original than its premises would suggest.

Using the power of the imagination – a capacity ironically under-explored in children’s films – the feature film takes an unexpected turn from its midpoint onwards and, in a creative way, tells a story that is not about the loss of fear, but rather the ability to move. forward even with him at our side.

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The visual aspect is an important part of the narrative

In addition to a curious story, which has everything to please adults and children, Orion and the Darkness It also has a very attractive look, which is very important for the development of the plot.

Exploring the dichotomy between day and night and light and darkness at each moment, the film plays with situations that can only be experienced in each of the periods and uses these changes to emphasize what causes us fear over what brings us comfort.

Furthermore, throughout the film, there are very interesting insertions that appear on the screen and are the fruit of Orion’s curious imagination. Made in another animation style, they are part of the boy’s sketchbook and express some of his darkest and most unlikely fears.

Dynamic and full of twists, Orion and the Darkness is a comforting and inspiring film, which brings with it a “story of common overcoming”, but here told in a unique and surprising way. Fun and aimed at the whole family, it is already in the top 10 of the most watched films on the platform and, apparently, it has everything it takes to stay there for a long time.

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Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.