Netflix’s Latest Film Launches With A Perfect 100% Rating On Rotten Tomatoes
The upcoming Netflix movie “Orion and the Dark” has garnered early praise, initially debuting with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its release this Friday, February 2. Based on Emma Yarlett’s children’s book, the film revolves around an anxious school kid, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, who confronts the physical manifestation of his greatest fear—the dark.
Directed by first-timer Sean Charmatz, with a script by Charlie Kaufman (known for works like Adaptation and Being John Malkovich), the voice cast features Jacob Tremblay, Angela Bassett, Golda Rosheuvel from Bridgerton, and Paul Walter Hauser from Black Bird.
Although the initial 100% rating has slightly dipped to 85% based on 13 reviews, it remains a strong performance for a Netflix original. According to Total Film, the film’s 3D CGI aesthetics blend with an indie, handmade feel, complementing Kaufman’s twisty and slightly meta tale. The exploration of fear and emotions, cleverly presented in a rollicking adventure, earns praise, even if the sudden changes in storyteller may challenge younger audiences.
The Guardian describes “Orion and the Dark” as a sweet-natured story, drawing inspiration from Monsters Inc and the Pixar canon. Despite familiar elements, the film avoids predictability with nods to Back to the Future and Inception, along with layers of metafictional storytelling.
Empire Magazine recognizes the film as a quintessential Kaufman creation, showcasing an unusual sweetness in its father-daughter relationship but not shying away from existential dread and big ideas. The film’s resistance to neat, Hollywood endings is applauded, celebrating the inclusion of such dark materials in children’s cinema.
Drawing a parallel to Pixar’s Inside Out, IGN notes that “Orion and the Dark” feels like Charlie Kaufman taking on a Pixar-style project. While technically a Dreamworks production premiering on Netflix, it captivates audiences with its polished spectacle, anthropomorphizing abstract concepts, and appealing to both children and adults with its heartfelt storytelling.
Collider draws parallels with Wes Anderson’s works and Spike Jonze’s creations, placing “Orion and the Dark” in the category of films from remarkable filmmakers presenting complex ideas to a younger audience. The film’s smart and ambitious narrative, equally resonant for children and adults, adds to its charm.
In conclusion, “Orion and the Dark” emerges as a promising Netflix original, blending stunning visuals with Kaufman’s signature storytelling, making it an engaging experience for viewers of all ages.