By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"DAVID" SINGS, SOARS, AND SLAYS WITH GIANT-SIZED HEART
Angel Studios' “David" arrives just in time for the holiday season, offering families an animated epic film that feels both reverent and refreshingly alive.
This biblical musical adventure revisits the familiar story from the Book of Samuel but frames it through compassion, wonder, and accessibility rather than solemnity.
Following the journey of a young shepherd destined for greatness, the film traces David's path from humble beginnings to his fateful confrontation with Goliath--not as a tale of brute strength, but of courage, faith, and quiet conviction. It's a story many know by heart, yet "David" finds ways to make it feel newly inviting.
Brandon Engman ("Girl at a Bar") lends youthful sincerity to young David, with Phil Wickham ("Breakthrough") later stepping in to voice an older David shaped by faith, music, and destiny.
What immediately stands out about this movie is how much care--and clearly money--has gone into this production.
The animation in "David" is lush and expressive, with sweeping landscapes, rich textures, and musical sequences that feel thoughtfully staged rather than obligatory. From the rolling hills of Bethlehem to the thunderous Valley of Elah, the film looks genuinely exquisite.
The voice cast, in addition to Wickham and Engman, includes Christian singer
Lauren Daigle, Asim Chaudhry (King Achish, “Lonely Castle in the Mirror"), and Ashley Boettcher (as Teen Zeruiah, "Lonely Castle in the Mirror") dazzle especially during the musical numbers, which lean more toward inspiration than spectacle.
Perhaps "David's" greatest achievement is how uplifting it is without feeling preachy. David wears its faith proudly but never beats the audience over the head with its message.
Instead, it allows themes of trust, humility, and inner strength to emerge naturally through character and song. Young viewers can enjoy the adventure and music, while older audiences will appreciate the film's gentler wisdom and emphasis on moral clarity without judgment.
It's rare to find a faith-based film that feels this welcoming to a wide audience, regardless of where viewers fall on the belief spectrum. "David" is truly one of Angel Studios' most accomplished offerings to date.
It's a beautifully crafted, spiritual film that is ideal for families looking to share something exciting
and meaningful during this Christmas holiday season.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Check Out This Trailer For
"DAVID"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
