David

David

Voices of: Phil Wickham (David), Brandon Engman (young David), Asim Chaudhry (King Achish), Mick Wingert (Zaydel), Will de Renzy-Martin (Valzatha), and Lauren Daigle (Rebecca)

Directors/Scriptwriters: Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham

Songs: Jonas Myrin

Music Director: Joseph Trapanese

Slingshot Productions/Angel

Rating: PG for intense moments

Running Length: 119 Minutes

Animation

“David” is based on the Book of Samuel from the Old Testament. This film goes from young David to David, Jonathan and King Saul. Perhaps, in years to come, the rest of David’s life will appear musically on screen. In the meantime, we have the richness of animation and the beauty of songs and musical background. The idea of this film has been in the works since 2021. Getting background information was formidable in itself requiring trips to Israel, studying the pottery of David’s time, the landscape that would have been of David’s time, and information of the battle between David and Goliath.

The story begins with the young boy, David, herding sheep. These sheep are special, as you will see, and quite intelligent, too. In fact, “David” is done with a distinct sense of humor. It is here that we see David’s prowess with a sling shot, as he goes after a lion threatening the sheep. Samuel the Prophet is searching for The Chosen One, to reign after King Saul, and another humorous part as the prophet goes through David’s brothers until they realize who there is exactly The Chosen One. He will be the youngest son of Jesse. The part everyone waits for is when David meets Goliath. Finding the right piece of armor for a boy is a challenge almost as hard as meeting Goliath. You won’t be disappointed. Eventually, David meets King Saul and Jonathan, Saul’s son. There is a friendship formed there that lasts, one boy to another. David’s music from his harp eases Saul’s headaches, but you can sense a tension starting to build between the king who won’t give up his throne and the boy there to receive it.

“David” seems to be Part One of the story and ends just before David is King. One can hope there will be a Part Two to continue David’s life as royalty. The actors who have the voices of the main characters do very well in their interpretations. Especially Phil Wickham as the adult David. Songs will be in an album, I am sure, and memorable ones are “Freedom,” “Follow the Light” and “I Will Not Be Afraid” by Jonas Myrin.  The travel to the Middle East to get the exact terrain for animation, certainly, is thorough and realistic.

All in all, “David” is a fine animation film of the early life of a boy who is chosen to be King of Israel.  Coming in at almost two hours, it could be a bit long for young children. The theme of don’t be afraid God is with you, carries through a story of the ages. Mixing humor with animals who have their own skills, to having courage with a capital “C” gives “David” a high rating.

Copyright 2025 Marie Asner