by Rosa Parra

Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes direct David, which stars the voices of Phil Wickham, Brandon Engman, Brian Stivale, and Miri Mesika, and features music by Joseph Trapanese. From his mother’s songs to his clash with Goliath, David’s journey from humble shepherd to anointed king tests the limits of faith, courage, and love—culminating in a battle for the soul of a kingdom.

The latest film from Angel Studios is an animated musical-adventure for the whole family. The film serves as a sequel to the animated series Young David, a five-episode series that follows the young shepherd destined to become the new King. I haven’t seen the series, available on the Angel streaming app, so my review of the film is based on this viewing alone. I’m also not a religious person (an aspect I’ve always been transparent about), so I’m not too familiar with the exact story this film is based on. Therefore, I won’t be able to compare and contrast the film with its source material.

As a family film, this is a beautifully animated depiction of love, faith, and courage. The animation rivals the big studios’ larger-budget animated films and is reminiscent of Klaus and The Prince of Egypt in both style and mood. It’s clear that the animation medium is used to present more mature themes in a way that’s digestible for younger viewers.

The musical numbers are also enjoyable—memorable, catchy, and beautifully sung. The overall story is worth watching. David is portrayed as someone whose unwavering devotion and faith in God give him a worry-free approach to life. He believes that with enough faith, he can find the courage within himself to face any challenge. The songs reinforce his determination and help shape his character.

My only criticism is that the film feels a bit too kid-friendly. While it’s clearly aimed at a younger demographic, the storytelling feels thematically sanitized and somewhat superficial. It works well for children, but offers little depth for adult viewers.

Overall, David is a beautifully crafted animated movie aimed squarely at younger audiences and stands as a worthy, family-friendly film for kids.

Rating: 7/10