I never thought Charlie Kaufman could write a plot that translates his anxiety into any format suitable for children. Yet, somehow, he does just that with ORION AND THE DARK. Despite having an original story and a unique protagonist, the overall narrative gets bogged down at times for me to have loved it as much as I wanted to. Yet, I respect the hell out of this film. In animation, we get countless uninspired Illumination garbage (MIGRATION) and TROLLS sequels. So, when a movie arrives with a different voice, I encourage audiences to seek it out.
What doesn’t work:
- Dark –Â I’m a big fan of Paul Walter Hauser, yet he’s miscast as Dark. I wanted more depth to the performance mixed with humor. It’s on the page (or at least the writing has it), yet Hauser seems like he’s miscast in the role.
- The Second Act –Â Just when the film hits its stride, the second act of ORION has our protagonist going on one too many side quests. I would’ve loved seeing more of Orion’s relationship with his (can’t name character because it’s a spoiler). Yet, when that relationship does come, it blasts off to stick the landing in the 3rd act.Â
- The Comedy –Â I wanted Dark’s friends to have more funny moments (like how Sleep puts people to sleep). The script could’ve used a punch-up to have the tremendous voice actors make the audience laugh.
Despite having a “dream” like setup, ORION AND THE DARK only semi-soars through the night. Orion’s complex anxiety-filled issues are a step in the right direction for animated films to give kids who have catastrophic thinking a voice. That voice is wrapped in a movie that’s part INCEPTION, INSIDE OUT, and THE PRINCESS BRIDE. With those films as inspiration, ORION is right on the cusp of being a classic, but just misses.
It’s available to stream on Netflix.
