Orion And The Dark Review: Jacob Tremblay Leads A Stellar Voice Cast In Uplifting Animated Adventure

Orion and the Dark follows a young boy with an abundance of fears, the dark being his chief one. Anxiety, insecurity, and immaturity are themes often tackled in animated films, but none have been written by Charlie Kaufman. His frankness is refreshing as he adequately writes from a child’s perspective without condescension. His writing, based on the book by Emma Yarlett, also perfectly suits the concept of a precocious 11-year-old who is very smart but paralyzed by fear. There is a sincerity to the story that offers a touching connection to the bright and intelligent Orion.

Orion and the Dark is an animated family comedy film by director Sean Charmatz, released in 2024, based on the book by Emma Yarlett. Orion, a boy with a powerful imagination, is thrown into a gauntlet of all his fears when he is dragged along by his greatest fear, the Dark, to discover that his fears of the night may be unfounded.

Pros

• The film is creative, powerful, and grounded in reality
• The animation speaks honestly and directly to its audience
• Orion and the Dark gives its lead character agency over his emotions
• The voice cast, led by Jacob Tremblay, is fantastic
• Aesthetically, the animated film is beautiful and innovative

Cons

• The pacing could have been a bit stronger

Orion & The Dark Has A Great Voice Cast To Tell Its Story

Orion and the Dark needed an exceptional voice cast, and it delivered on every front. And no one was better suited to play Orion than Jacob Tremblay. It’s hard to believe that Tremblay is not 11-years-old anymore, but he is so well cast that when his name appears in the credits, you just don’t expect anyone else. Tremblay imbues Orion with sweetness and honesty, which accentuates how young and naive he is. The actor hits all the right notes to craft an emotional journey that is made palpable by his voicework.

Tremblay leads a great cast of characters that breathe life into some rather abstract concepts, such as rising star Paul Walter Hauser as Dark, Angela Bassett as Sweet Dreams, Nat Faxon as Insomnia, Natasia Demetriou as Sleep, Aparna Nancherla as Quiet, Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte actress Golda Rosheuvel as Unexplained Noises, and Ike Barinholtz as Light. They make up a quirky set of characters that don’t outshine the lead but instead add texture and layers to the central duo’s story.

A Picturesque Adaptation That Honors Its Origins

Sean Charmatz makes his feature debut with Orion and the Dark after years as a DreamWorks Animation storyboard artist and director. He makes the transition from a picture book to animation a seamless one. There is a noticeable departure in art design, but the essence of Yarlett’s illustrations carry weight in the adaptation. Charmatz honors the source material, injecting a healthy dose of creative flair. The imagery is enthralling, and the character designs unique yet familiar. It’s a shame that Orion and The Dark isn’t getting a theatrical release because it would’ve fit the immersive quality of Charmatz’s art direction.

The Animation Offers A Sympathetic Approach To Anxiety & Insecurity

Orion and Dark are on parallel journeys as they overcome their insecurities and fears. Orion’s are more palpable, from the heavier ones, like death and bullying, to the expected, like sharks, and the downright silly, like clogged toilets. Dark’s fears stem from a more existential place, knowing one’s purpose and believing they belong. Orion can relate, but the Dark is an abstract entity with many meanings and feelings. Kaufman is undoubtedly challenging youngsters by adapting the 40-page picture book. How Kaufman and Charmatz explore these themes makes Orion and the Dark entertaining; neither belittles nor dismisses the characters’ experiences.

There is a gentleness in addressing matters directly, normalizing the act of talking, drawing, or writing through one’s problems. The film starkly contrasts Pixar’s Inside Out, where the lead character has little agency. Riley is an afterthought in her own story, whereas Orion is very present and aware that he is growing and changing while reassessing his fears. Orion’s journey is fantastical, but the film is grounded, which helps normalize a healthy and honest discussion about mental health for young kids. This sentiment is echoed in the film with the line, “The only stories that help are the true ones.“

Orion & The Dark Is A Worthwhile Adventure To Experience Over Again

There is a slight issue with the pacing, which, though brisk, is sometimes abrupt. But Kaufman and Charmatz use the film’s inner framing device rather effectively to make up for this shortcoming. Despite that one hiccup, the film is visually interesting, the story compelling, and the characters greatly defined and layered. Orion and the Dark stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest films by DreamWorks Animation.

The studio stands out from others because you can sense the innovation, creativity, and overall excitement for creating new and interesting animated projects. Orion and the Dark is an example of taking a chance and having it pay off. From its endearing animation style, which blends a 2D aesthetic with 3D technology, to its poignant and refreshing writing, Orion and the Dark is a true joy to watch.