Orion and the Dark is a Netflix original animated film that explores the theme of overcoming your fears with humor, imagination, and friendship.
The film is based on a picture book by Emma Yarlett, and adapted by Charlie Kaufman, the acclaimed screenwriter of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Being John Malkovich. It is also directed by Sean Charmatz, a former storyboard artist for SpongeBob SquarePants and The Lego Movie 2.
The film tells the story of Orion (voiced by Jacob Tremblay), a young boy who is afraid of everything, especially the dark. He lives in a colorful and whimsical world, where his fears are manifested as monsters, shadows, and noises.
He tries to avoid them by hiding under his bed, wearing a helmet, and carrying a flashlight everywhere. His parents (voiced by Carla Gugino and Matt Dellapina) are supportive and understanding, but they can’t help him overcome his fears.
One night, Orion gets a surprise visit from the Dark himself (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser), a huge and mysterious figure who wears a cloak and a hood. The Dark is annoyed by Orion’s constant screaming and crying, and decides to take him on a magical night-flight across the globe to show him the wonders of the night.
Along the way, they meet various characters who represent different aspects of the night, such as Sweet Dreams (voiced by Angela Bassett), Sleep (voiced by Natasia Demetriou), Unexplained Noises (voiced by Golda Rosheuvel), Insomnia (voiced by Nat Faxon), and Quiet (voiced by Aparna Nancherla).
Some of them are friendly and helpful, while others are mischievous and troublesome. Orion learns that the night is not as scary as he thought, and that the Dark is not his enemy, but his friend.
Orion and the Dark is a charming and delightful film that appeals to both children and adults. It has a lot of humor and heart, with moments that make you laugh and sometimes, cry.
