Orion and the Dark Review: Charlie Kaufman, acclaimed for his nuanced storytelling, dives into the realm of animated children's movies with "Orion and the Dark." Directed by Sean Charmatz, the film transforms Emma Yarlett’s beloved picture book into a visual spectacle that is almost as intriguing as its title suggests.
Charlie Kaufman's involvement in "Orion and the Dark" marked a departure from his usual directorial endeavors, the first since "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." Adapted from Yarlett’s book and directed by Sean Charmatz, known for works like "Trolls" shorts and "The Angry Birds Movie 2," the film embarked on a journey that left many skeptics questioning the match of Kaufman's signature style with a children's animated feature.
In the opening scenes, we are introduced to the 11-year-old protagonist, Orion, brilliantly portrayed by Jacob Tremblay. Orion grapples with the everyday challenges of adolescence, compounded by an existential fear of death. The film masterfully captures Orion's neurotic tendencies, portraying his anxieties, from mundane activities like flushing a toilet to the fear that a simple field trip could jeopardize his family’s legacy.
The narrative takes a fantastical turn when Orion encounters the embodiment of his deepest fear, the Dark. This ancient night entity, voiced by Paul Walter Hauser, surprises us by being a gentle soul tired of scaring children. The film takes flight—literally—when Dark invites Orion on a journey across the globe, providing a unique perspective from the skies.
The peculiar charm of "Orion and the Dark" lies in Kaufman's ability to infuse the script with his distinctive touch despite the constraints of traditional children's fare. The film transcends the ordinary bedtime story, evolving into a self-aware, multi-generational exploration of embracing fears and finding beauty in the world.
Despite the film's straightforward approach and the typical pace of American children's movies, Kaufman's influence is evident. The characters, though lacking sharp edges in design, come alive with depth. The audience is effortlessly drawn into Orion's world, feeling the genuine fear he experiences and celebrating his eventual triumph over it.
The revelation that the Dark is not a malevolent force but a misunderstood entity adds layers to the narrative. Paul Walter Hauser's warm and textured performance, reminiscent of Seth Rogen, brings an unexpected humanity to this ancient figure. Dark's decision to reveal himself to Orion is not driven by a desire to change the world but by a simple annoyance at the nightly trembles of the young boy.
As the story unfolds, the film cleverly navigates between the past and present, embracing a bedtime tale dynamic. Charmatz's nimble direction ensures a seamless transition between imagined scenarios and the "actual" present. The anthropomorphism reminiscent of Pete Docter's work adds an endearing quality to Dark and his cohorts, transforming them into relatable working beings.
The introduction of a colorful ensemble cast, each representing different night entities, injects a delightful element for young viewers. While the film occasionally flirts with overly instructional world-building, it compensates with clever sight gags and sensory overload, maintaining engagement.
"Orion and the Dark" subtly touches on the collaborative nature of cosmic forces, drawing parallels between the characters' roles and the complexities of our planet. The contrived tension between Dark and his friends, particularly the envy of Light, adds a layer of humor and serves as a reverse-engineered affirmation that even the night has its bright spots.
In the film's final chapters, the narrative shifts from mild tedium to a gently heart-melting cohesion. The astronomical truth that "it’s only because of our fears that we’re able to see the world shining around them" resonates, leaving the audience with a poignant reflection on the beauty within fears.
Despite some expected constraints of the genre, "Orion and the Dark" manages to be a major outlier in Kaufman's body of work. It navigates the delicate balance of appealing to children and resonating with adults, making it a fitting addition to Netflix's repertoire. The film’s release on February 2 promises to bring this cosmic adventure to audiences of all ages, inviting them to discover the beauty that lies beyond the fear of the unknown.
