I watched David with Mr 9, Miss 6 and Miss 3 with fairly low expectations.
Animated religious films can sometimes feel heavy-handed or overly earnest and corny. I assumed this would be one of those movies that adults politely tolerate while the kids watch. Surprisingly, that wasn’t the experience at all, and my kids were engaged throughout the film.
From the outset, David is clearly well made. The animation is polished and visually engaging, with enough detail and care to make it feel cinematic rather than rushed or low-budget.
Where the film falters slightly is in its tone.
It’s sincere and serious for the most part. While that suits the story, it means there are very few genuinely funny moments to re-engage younger viewers.
The songs are fine — pleasant enough while they’re happening — but they’re largely forgettable. This definitely isn’t a Moana or Frozen situation where the soundtrack lingers long after the credits roll.
The story follows David’s entire journey, from shepherd boy to King of Israel, and it does so with a sense of reverence and ambition.
From the songs of his mother’s heart to the whispers of a faithful God, David’s story begins in quiet devotion. When the giant Goliath rises to terrorise a nation, a young shepherd armed with only a sling, a few stones and unshakable faith steps forward.
Pursued by power and driven by purpose, his journey tests the limits of loyalty, love and courage. This culminates in a battle not just for a crown but for the soul of a kingdom.
It’s an ambitious story to tell. However, trying to cover David’s entire journey in a single film is where things start to feel a little strained.
Rather than focusing deeply on one defining chapter — such as the David and Goliath story or his ascent to kingship — the film attempts to cover everything at once.
The result is a movie that feels long for younger children, yet still oddly rushed in places. I found myself wishing for more breathing room and detail, particularly around the David and Goliath storyline, which could easily have carried an entire film on its own with more tension, build-up and emotional payoff.
I’ll admit, the timing of the movie’s release felt politically motivated, which had me eye-rolling before it even began.
However, once the story got underway, that concern faded.
The film doesn’t require a particular religious background or motivation to enjoy. At its heart, David is an underdog story — one about courage, belief, and stepping forward even when you’re clearly outmatched.
What surprised me most was how well my kids understood it.
I expected the pacing and scope of the story to leave them confused, especially the younger two. But when I asked them afterwards what the movie was about, they articulated the core message clearly.
They understood that David was small but brave. He didn’t need to be the biggest or strongest to matter, and that self-belief can make a real difference. That message landed far more strongly than I expected.
David isn’t a movie the kids will be asking to watch on repeat. It doesn’t have the lightness or musical punch of more mainstream animated films. But it is thoughtful, well produced, and more accessible than I anticipated.
While I would have preferred a narrower focus and a little more space for the story to breathe, it sparked meaningful conversations afterwards. And for a family movie, that feels like a quiet success.