Inspired by the Book of Samuel and conceived as a feature-length continuation of the earlier miniseries “Young David”, “David” is produced by 2521 Entertainment, Sunrise Animation Studios, and Slingshot Productions, with theatrical distribution in the United States handled by Angel Studios. Directed by Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes, the project marks Angel Studios’ first fully animated musical feature, expanding its faith-based portfolio into large-scale animation.
The voice cast includes Phil Wickham, Brandon Engman, Asim Chaudhry, Mick Wingert, Will de Renzy-Martin, and Lauren Daigle, while music is composed by Joseph Trapanese, with songs developed in collaboration with Grammy-winning songwriter Jonas Myrin and recorded alongside the Budapest Film Orchestra.
From his earliest days as a shepherd guided by music, nature, and prayer, David grows up shaped by an intimate and unwavering faith in God. Living far from centers of power, he finds purpose in devotion rather than ambition, expressing his inner life through song and poetry. When the Philistine giant Goliath emerges to terrorize Israel, David’s quiet conviction sets him apart from warriors and kings alike, defining him as a figure driven not by fear or authority, but by trust and spiritual courage.
As his journey unfolds, David is drawn into the turbulent world of kingship, conflict, and destiny, navigating loyalty to King Saul, deep bonds of friendship, and the growing awareness of his own calling. Armed with little more than a sling, stones, and belief, he confronts all the obstacles placed in front of him, in a fight that transcends physical strength, becoming a turning point for the fate of a nation.
The story moves into action almost immediately, presenting David as a heroic figure from the outset. Early on, he risks his life to protect his sheep from a lion, using his sling to save one of them, while also sparing the animal itself, an act that further highlights his benevolent nature. This approach makes it clear from the beginning that the work is primarily aimed at children. The musical element is also introduced early, adopting a style that can be hit or miss depending on one’s tolerance for its tone, though it is clearly designed with younger audiences in mind.
At the same time, the strong pro-Christian messaging found throughout the narrative occasionally borders on proselytism, even if this foundation is inherent to the source material. While the filmmakers attempt to temper the emphasis through a playful and accessible approach, the repeated insistence on the greatness of God can feel excessive at times.
On the other hand, the depiction of Saul stands out as particularly compelling. Portrayed as a man consumed by insecurity and driven toward violence, he becomes increasingly intent on destroying David and those around him. His descent into madness renders him both hateful and deeply pitiful, with the conclusion of his arc reinforcing this duality in a manner that aligns with Christian morality while once again elevating David’s moral stature.
Visually, the character design adopts a cubic and rotund aesthetic, with oversized heads and expressive faces, complemented by detailed work on hair and, occasionally, the beards of the protagonists. The combination of color palettes and overall design, including costume work, is impressive, extending to richly detailed backgrounds and fluid animation. The quality of movement ranks among the strongest seen in contemporary CGI productions.
Furthermore, the large-scale battle sequences, featuring sizable forces on both sides, are consistently engaging. Particular attention is given to Goliath’s introduction, with his gargantuan presence emphasized through a deliberately excessive and entertaining presentation. The sound design and musical score further enhance both the epic confrontations and quieter moments, reinforcing the overall audiovisual strength on display.
In the end, “David” could certainly benefit from fewer extended musical sequences and a more restrained approach to its religious messaging. Nevertheless, the high level of craftsmanship allows it to rise above these limitations, resulting in a work that is well worth watching and one that younger audiences, in particular, are likely to enjoy.