MOVIE TITLE: DAVID

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 55 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

David is an ambitious animated musical epic from Angel Studios, telling the biblical story of David, from his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy to his momentous showdown with Goliath, and ultimately his rise to kingship in Israel.

The film David has been historically significant in terms of its funding: it’s one of the biggest audience‑funded media projects ever under Angel Studios. This means it’s not just a passion project; there’s a community deeply invested in its success. That built-in enthusiasm could translate into strong box office turnout, especially given the pre-sale momentum. Angel Studio reported nearly $3 million in presales in just three weeks, a record for them! You can learn more about how to join their “Angel Guild” on their website.

The movie will be a favorite for Christians and Jews who share a common love for King David.

You can check out the official website for the movie at: https://www.angel.com/movies/david

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some Hebrew is spoken and sung.
Animated fighting and violence
There are a LOT of dramatic and dark scenes that young children simply won’t understand. Older kids and teens will.
Some images in Act 3 are a bit too scary for very young children.
Various weapons are used.
Young children may not understand all of the battles and politics of the story.

THEMES:

Obeying God
Faith
Courage
Fear
Bible stories
Follow the light
Leadership
Loyalty

THINGS I LIKED:

One of the most appealing aspects of David is its deeply rooted faith narrative for both Christians and Jews. The synopsis emphasizes “unshakable faith”, “following the light”, and a journey driven by purpose, not just power.
By choosing a musical format, the filmmakers raised the stakes in terms of emotional engagement. Music heightens the drama of David’s internal journey (as a poet, shepherd, and warrior) and made key moments more memorable for me.
The animation is gorgeous, colorful, and super detailed. I love details. You can see the hairs on Goliath’s shoulders, practically feel the texture of the fabrics, and imagine the land of Israel with all of its varied animal and plant life. I would even describe some of the visuals in the last 20 minutes of the film as extremely sophisticated. According to Angel’s own press, the film aspires to stand “alongside the very best major-studio movies.” In my opinion, mission accomplished!
The music is lovely. One of my favorite songs and sequences was when David and his mother sang about tapestries, the threads of our life, and how we can understand God’s purpose for us. That lesson weaves throughout the movie.
The story promises more than just action. It’s about loyalty, courage, and the soul of a kingdom. David explores not only physical battles but also spiritual and moral ones. The film asks, “What does it mean to lead, to trust, and to grow into one’s calling?”
Wow, there sure are a lot of wild and crazy beards in this movie! So creative!
The battlefield landscape was especially stunning and epic. I loved seeing the streets of several cities with the bustling marketplaces.
I loved the little details that are historically accurate, such as showing pomegranites in a crowded market, and the tabernacle in the village.
With a story as large as David’s life, one risk is that the film might spread itself too thin, trying to cover his early life, the Goliath battle, his time in Saul’s court, and his rise to king. There is simply too much to cover in David’s life, but this is a nice introduction for viewers who might not know the Bible stories.
The filmmakers maintained a good balance between grand spectacle and the emotional intimacy that makes David’s faith and character compelling.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The road to release this film hasn’t been smooth. Slingshot (the film’s producer) sued Angel Studios for breach of contract over distribution and marketing decisions. I hate hearing news like that, especially when it’s related to a studio that is genuinely trying to put goodness in this world. While a settlement has been reached, this history could color how some audiences view the film or affect its long-term legacy.
While a musical can be a huge draw, it’s also a heavy lift. The quality of the songs, their integration into the story, and their ability to convey weighty moments (like David’s psalms or his emotional struggles) are critical. Not all of the songs are catchy enough or easy enough for kids to immediately recall and sing after watching the film.
Some biblical-epic audiences may prefer live-action realism for a story as historic and human as David’s. The animated approach might feel more accessible for families and younger viewers, but it could also limit the perceived gravitas for others. Don’t get me wrong though; there is definitely gravitas in Act 3.
I have always pictured Goliath to be more dark-skinned and hairy because he was a Philistine. I was so surprised at how pale he was drawn in the film. In 1 Samuel 17:42, it describes Goliath as being very hairy. He most likely would have had an olive, Middle-Eastern complexion. In this movie, he kind of looks more like a huge Viking!
Not all of the humor lands. On top of that, there isn’t very much humor.
There is definitely a tonal shift. Act 1 feels like it’s more for younger kids, while Act 2 and, especially Act 3, feel much more mature and geared toward teens and adults.

All in all, David will give families an opportunity to dig into the Bible and talk about their faith with each other, especially during this holiday season.

INTERESTING LINES:

“I don’t want to be king.” – David “That is a surprisingly good criteria for a king.” – Samuel
“When people are lost, David, a stray in a storm, a shepherd is precisely who they need.” – Samuel “God is my shepherd. He’s who we need.” – David
“I’d rather take my chances following the light than choose to live in the dark. Which do you choose?” – David
“You aren’t alone.” – David

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

A 5-episode animated miniseries called Young David (prequel to the David film) focuses on David’s early years as a shepherd, warrior, and poet, also found on the Angel Studios network!
The Prince of Egypt (1998): https://amzn.to/3XQhYs0
Joseph: King of Dreams (2000): https://amzn.to/4ozJWDD