The ancient story of David from the Hebrew Bible comes to life in this vibrant epic animated feature film. Created by South Africa–based studio Sunrise Animation, the film takes us on an adventurous journey that is, at its core, surprisingly human and moving.
From the opening moments, David pulls you in with action as young David, a shepherd boy, fights off a lion to protect his flock. It’s an effective way to ground a familiar story in movement and urgency. Faith, love and courage are closely entwined here as David protects his sheep, yet also saves the lion from a fall. In these early scenes, his character is quickly established as endearing and humble, someone we’re eager to follow.
Based on 1 and 2 Samuel, the film is a musical retelling of the life of an ancient prophet, poet and king. The story follows David as he is secretly chosen by the prophet Samuel to replace Saul as king.
A joyful boy who simply wants to lift people up through music, David is reluctantly drawn into the royal court. His journey proves treacherous as he is forced to confront the giant Goliath (remember David and Goliath?), the scavenger Amalekites, and the troubled King Saul.
One of the film’s great strengths is its authenticity and attention to detail. Visually, it strikes a pleasing balance between realism and fantasy. There’s nuance in the shading, the colours, in the way light falls across hair and faces, and in the natural desaturation that gives the world a grounded, tactile feel.
The scene in which Samuel secretly anoints David as king is exquisite in its detail. It was the moment that truly captured my attention and drew me into David’s story. The textures and movement feel almost tactile. It reminded me of that feeling when you step into a quiet church, and you’re suddenly humbled by stained-glass light and a sense of reverence.
Authenticity is clearly a major focus for the production team, who blend live-action and animation feature influences. Think Prince of Egypt meets Gladiator. There’s a deliberate sense of grit and weight here, which feels refreshing in a world increasingly glossed over by AI.
Directors Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes worked closely with the biblical text to inform details such as clothing, weapons and the naming of battles. Landscape is equally important, with research trips to Israel and collaboration with historians helping to ground the film in accuracy. The result is a world that feels tangible, sensual and engaging.
A major reason David works emotionally is the voice work, particularly Young David, voiced by Brandon Engman. His soaring vocals are disarming and endearing.
The emotional centre of the film is the relationship between David and his mother, Nitzevet. Beautifully voiced by Miri Mesika, she becomes the film’s emotional anchor. Her voice carries both strength and tenderness, and the nuance in their scenes together keeps the story emotionally engaging.
Nitzevet’s tapestry metaphor acts as a thematic through line for personal faith. “Every thread has a purpose. You just don’t know your part in the tapestry yet,” she says.
The mother-and-son musical sequence that follows is one of the film’s visual and musical highlights. David dances through dyed cloth of vibrant colours that hang in preparation for rugs. The combination of colour, light and movement is thrilling to watch.
The iconic David and Goliath confrontation is both exciting and resonant. Goliath represents the aspects of life that overwhelm and intimidate us, the challenges that feel impossible to overcome.
What I loved most about David is how it avoids the perfectly exposed images and glossy rendering so common in contemporary animation. In a world of increasing fakery and trickery, the film embraces imperfect humanness, creating a rich and genuinely sensory experience.
And then there’s the cinematography. The light. (Did I mention the light?) Cinematographer Dave Walvoord builds emotional impact through tone and illumination, embracing over- and under-exposure borrowed from live-action filmmaking.
The desert sequences, where David is driven out, are particularly striking. Nature is presented in all its awe, with light that feels real, powerful and alive.
A huge collaborative effort, David succeeds through its sensitivity, artistry and authenticity. Drawn from an ancient text, it offers a timely message that reaches beyond dogma, reminding us of the power of faith, connection and the very human capacity to rise above our challenges.
David opens in cinemas nationally from 15 January 2026.
Website: https://rialtodistribution.com/film/david/ and https://www.thedavidmovie.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/rialtodistributionau/
Watch the trailer here:
Film details:
Title: David
Director: Phil Cunningham & Brent Dawes
Cast: Brandon Engman, Phil Wickham, Asim Chaudry
Country of Origin: South Africa
Duration: 115 mins
Rating: PG
