What’s It About
Orion seems a lot like your average elementary school kid – shy, unassuming, harboring a secret crush. But underneath his seemingly normal exterior, Orion is a ball of adolescent anxiety, completely consumed by irrational fears of bees, dogs, the ocean, cell phone waves, murderous gutter clowns, and even falling off of a cliff. But of all his fears, the thing he’s the most afraid of is what he confronts on a nightly basis: the Dark. So when the literal embodiment of his worst fear pays a visit, the Dark whisks Orion away on a roller coaster ride around the world to prove there is nothing to be afraid of in the night. As the unlikely pair grows closer, Orion must decide if he can learn to accept the unknown – to stop letting fear control his life and finally embrace the joy of living.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
A movie for kids that grown-ups will like too, “Orion and the Dark” is about facing your fears, especially being scared of the dark. This film stands out because it combines the writer’s distinctive way of telling stories with a touching story about a boy who just wants to feel safe. With great character designs, fun dialogue, and a positive message, this Netflix original is a pleasant surprise early in the year. We meet Orion (voiced by Jacob Tremblay), a young boy in elementary school who is scared of pretty much everything – bullies, bees, even the idea of falling from skyscrapers. Above all, he’s terrified of the dark, a fear many of us can relate to. But Orion isn’t your typical fifth grader. Right from the start, with his mature way of speaking, it’s clear he’s more like a mini-adult, thinking about things like killer bees and the dangers of cell phones. A lot of Orion’s fears come from not wanting to be embarrassed. He’s too scared to try anything new or talk to a girl he likes because he doesn’t want to be laughed at or rejected. This starting point is something kids can understand, and adults will remember feeling. But Orion’s fears are so intense that he might need more help than a story can offer. The film shows Orion’s fears through drawings in a sketchbook, suggested by his school counselor, which brings his fears to life creatively and visually interestingly. Then, one night, after his parents reassure him, Orion meets the actual Dark, voiced by Paul Walter Hauser. Dark is kind of like Orion, feeling left out and unappreciated. Everyone loves the Light, but the Dark feels overlooked and wishes people would give him a chance. The Dark decides to show Orion what he does, taking him around the world to see the night’s work introducing him to characters like Sweet Dreams and a noisy tin man, among others. This adventure helps Orion understand the night better and, hopefully, sleep without fear. Eventually, we see an adult Orion telling this story to his daughter. Was it all made up to help her with her fear of the dark, or did it really happen? And how can she take this story and make it her own? The film gets a bit complex and surreal here, which might confuse some kids, but it keeps its emotional core. There were moments and music choices in the film that seemed out of place, and at times, it felt like too many ideas were packed into one movie, almost like a whole TV season’s worth in a single script. But it’s rare to see a new animated movie with too much going on. That’s used to be something Pixar was known for. As of now, DreamWorks is the studio to beat.
OUR RATING – A FACE YOUR FEARS 7