NOW IN THEATERS! Another banger from Angel Studios, David, directed by Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham, takes on one of the most foundational underdog stories in Judeo-Christian culture. Screenwriters Dawes, Kyle Portbury, and Sam Wilson package it as an animated musical aimed squarely at families. It’s a faithful, streamlined retelling that leans hard into the idea that destiny isn’t something you chase; it’s given to you through faith.
The story traces the biblical account of Israel’s most unlikely king, David, a young shepherd boy. He is secretly visited by the prophet Samuel, who prophesies that he will be king. If word ever got out about Samuel’s visit, Israel’s current king, Saul, would have him killed. Later, David is summoned to King Saul. Fearful, David discovers that Saul only wants him there to entertain him, but instead finds a king of troubled character.
Later, when the armies of Israel are confronted by the fierce Philistine army, a giant named Goliath challenges the best warrior of Israel to a one-on-one fight. The winner is allowed to conquer the other’s land then and there. Given his literal giant status, none of the Israeli warriors will stand up to him. It’s not until young David, led by God, decides to take down the giant. You know the rest of the story. This ends the first act, as the rest of the film documents David’s ascension to the throne. David’s victory makes him a commander of the Israeli army. He soon develops a close friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, and eventually is forced into conflict with Saul after the king learns of Samuel’s prophecy that David will take over the throne.
Young David finds comfort and guidance at home in Angel Studios’ animated biblical musical David (2025).
“Oldenburg nails the central theme: David didn’t slay Goliath; God did.”
As someone who has worked in churches throughout my young adult life, I’ve seen my fair share of animated (and live-action) stories of David. The way David depicts the titular character’s rise to the throne is probably the best I’ve seen. The animation is fantastic for an indie studio that is rapidly growing and advancing, and — as animation is supposed to do — it brings its biblical images and characters to life. Dawes and Cunnigham nail the central theme of David’s life: he didn’t slay Goliath; God did. The story of the boy who would be king is one of a humble young man who puts his faith and future in God’s hands. When the odds are overwhelming, and there’s no way any man can overcome them, David puts his faith in God, and He vanquishes any foe in his way. This is particularly true when Saul holds all the cards against David. This theme of faith is precisely the message children need to hear today.
All said, David doesn’t quite reach the heights that DreamWorks’s The Prince of Egypt reaches. The above-average story is very Sunday School in tone and stakes. Sadly, Jonas Myrin, Molly Kate Kestner, Brock Monroe, Joseph Trapanese, and Jason Halbert’s songs are forgettable. “Follow the Light” is the only one I remember as the phrase is repeated and repeated and repeated. Musicals these days all seem to want to turn dialogue into song. In musicals, songs are sung because that’s the only way a character can convey their feelings when words aren’t good enough. David wrote a lot of poetry in the Book of Psalms, so the filmmakers had a lot to live up to.
Ultimately, David is a strong, solid film for kids. But I can’t help feeling the filmmakers were holding back on the true glory of God in this story.
"…a strong, solid film for kids."
