Exploring Childhood Fears in 'Orion and the Dark': A Deep Dive

© Netflix

Discover everything you need to know about the upcoming animated movie that confronts a classic childhood fear.

Being a kid is inherently scary — a world that's vast, unfamiliar, and populated by beings who seem to know just a little more than you do. But for Orion, the protagonist of the new animated film *Orion and the Dark*, the fear extends beyond the ordinary childhood trepidations. Orion is scared of everything, especially the dark. The film, based on the book by Emma Yarlett and penned by Charlie Kaufman (*I'm Thinking of Ending Things*), promises to take viewers on a journey through the psyche of an anxious child.

What's 'Orion and the Dark' About?

Orion, at first glance, appears like any ordinary elementary school kid — shy, unassuming, and harboring a secret crush. However, beneath his seemingly normal exterior lies a ball of adolescent anxiety, haunted by irrational fears ranging from bees, dogs, and the ocean to cell phone waves and even murderous gutter clowns. Yet, the darkest fear that consumes him nightly is, quite literally, the dark.

Enter Dark, the embodiment of Orion's worst fear. In a twist of fate, Dark whisks Orion away on a globe-trotting adventure to demonstrate that there's nothing to fear in the night. The narrative unfolds as a roller coaster ride around the world, challenging Orion's deepest fears and unraveling the mysteries of the unknown. As Orion and Dark grow closer during their unlikely journey, the film delves into profound themes, prompting Orion to confront his anxieties, stop letting fear dictate his life, and ultimately embrace the joy of living.

Based on the book by Emma Yarlett

- **Theme:** Confronting childhood fears, embracing the unknown, and finding joy in living

DreamWorks Animation

stands poised to offer not only a visually stunning animated experience but also a heartfelt exploration of universal childhood fears and the transformative power of facing them head-on.