David
January 5th, 2026
MOVIE: DAVID
STARRING: PHIL WICKHAM, LAUREN DAIGLE, ADAM MICHAEL GOLD, MIRI MESIKA
DIRECTED BY: PHIL CUNNINGHAM, BRENT DAWES
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 2 ½ STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: PG
RUN TIME: 109 MINUTES
For those of us who endured years of Catholic schooling- I am the product of 17 years of Catholic education- the story of David is foundational, or at least familiar in its broad strokes: the small shepherd boy who slays a giant. This past holiday season, Angel Studios brought that tale to the screen with an animated retelling aimed squarely at faith-based audiences looking for family-friendly entertainment. Surprisingly, David translates well into animation, but the final result is something of a mixed bag, combining sharp visuals, a handful of well-crafted songs, and a story big enough for the theatrical stage. Like its hero, David is an underdog that shows plenty of fight, even if it doesn’t always come out on top.
Directed by Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes, and written by Dawes alongside Kyle Portbury and Sam Wilson, the film wastes little time introducing David (voiced by Brandon Engman and later Phil Wickham). We first meet him tending his flock, anxiously awaiting the birth of a lamb while fearlessly defending his sheep from a hungry lion. After proving his courage, David returns home to find his family gathered with the prophet Samuel (Brian Stivale), who has arrived to anoint him as the next king. Suddenly burdened with a divine responsibility, David travels to Israel to serve King Saul (Adam Michael Gold), becoming both a trusted advisor and a symbol of faith, believing that with God on his side, he cannot fail.
The film builds steadily toward the inevitable confrontation between David and Goliath (Kamran Nikhad). With multiple musical numbers padding the runtime, it’s clear Cunningham and Dawes understand this battle is the centerpiece, and thankfully, it delivers. The animation and staging are impressive, as soldiers mock and dismiss David- until his slingshot lands its mighty blow. Unfortunately, it’s after this moment that the film begins to falter. The narrative shifts focus from David’s courage to King Saul’s growing paranoia and obsession with power. The tone turns darker and more monotonous, losing momentum without major set pieces or songs to sustain audience interest.
The biggest question is whether children will stay engaged with David. The answer is yes, but with a caveat. Younger viewers may struggle to remain invested once Goliath is defeated. Teenagers, however, may find the battle sequences an appealing gateway to classic epics like Gladiator, Ben-Hur, or Braveheart. Thankfully, the music- particularly the tender mother-son duet “Tapestry” and the uplifting “Follow the Light”- helps carry the story through its slower stretches.
Ultimately, David gets the job done. It’s a bright, approachable retelling of a well-known story that might have benefited from focusing solely on David versus Goliath, but it still fulfills its purpose. If Angel Studios continues adapting biblical stories into animated features, they may be onto something—hopefully next time with enough momentum to hold attention for the full runtime.
2 ½ STARS
DAVID IS CURRENTLY PLAYING IN SELECT THEATERS
Written by: Leo Brady
