When I think of the biblical prophet David, certain highlights come to mind.
A shepherd. A giant. A sling.
A woman. A roof. A murder.
Repentance. Psalms.
As with most scriptural accounts, David’s story is rich in detail and emotionally complex. So, when I had the chance to watch David, a new animated musical film from Angel Studios, I was interested to see how this giant of a story would be translated for children and families. How much of the story would they tell? How would it handle the more serious elements of David’s life?
Ultimately, I was pleasantly surprised, entertained, and excited to dive deeper into David’s story. I left the theater with a great desire to open my Bible and understand the full account. On that alone, David is to be recommended. But let’s dive into the film, its strengths, and its weaknesses.
A Closer Look at David
The film follows David’s journey from humble shepherd boy in Bethlehem to the courageous warrior who faces the giant Goliath and ultimately becomes king, celebrating themes of faith, courage, and trust in God through immersive animation and powerful music.
Director Phil Cunningham said, “This journey started 30 years ago…At the time I was reading David’s story which was full of adventure, excitement, music, friendship, moments of tenderness, expansiveness and wholeheartedness. I was struck that he was described as a man after God’s own heart. This was what I saw in creation and I was determined to one day tell a story of David that might inspire the world and open hearts to the possibility of an incredible, fun and exciting God.”
The film features the voices of Phil Wickham, Brandon Engman, and others, and is produced in partnership with Sunrise Animation Studios and 2521 Entertainment, bringing this timeless story to life for family audiences around the world.
Key events covered include:
- David’s life as a shepherd & skill as a harpist
- Samuel’s anointing of David to be the next king
- David’s defeat of Goliath
- Saul’s wickedness and pursuit to kill David
- David’s escape and struggle with hope
- David’s journey to become king
The film is ambitious in this way. It would have been easy for the filmmakers to water down the story or make the Goliath plotline the focus and gloss over the rest. I was impressed by the way David believes in it’s audience; it trusts movie-goers to embrace scripture through film in a whole-hearted way. David brings the Bible to life without simplifying its theology or underestimating its spiritual depth.
The Role of Music in David
The music of David is more than just an entertaining element. It is the heartbeat of the film and an integral part of David’s relationship with God. Woven throughout the story, the songs feel less like interruptions and more like expressions of prayer, reflection, and joyful worship.
There is a good variety from the music—the songs range from rousing to reverent. My personal favorites include “Shalom” and “Follow the Light.” Click here to listen to the soundtrack, but I suggest listening to the songs for the first time in theaters.
Brandon Engman and Phil Wickham provide the speaking and singing voices for young David and adult David respectively. Engman is a noted actor and singer while Wickham is a GRAMMY® nominated, Dove Award-winning modern worship artist.
“There are few men that have had a greater impact on my life than King David,” Wickham said. “His story, his songs, and his faith have shaped me deeply. What an honor it has been to help bring this character life! It truly has been a dream come true that I never saw coming. Finding David’s voice inside of me was both a challenge and a joy – thanks to an amazing team who helped guide the way! I’m so proud to be a part of such a beautiful and life-giving film. I believe it will fill hearts with hope, and lift eyes to heaven for many years to come.”
My Overall Review
David is an ambitious film that succeeds in creating a sense of spirit and grandeur, fitting of it’s biblical weight. It is a rousing good time and spiritually hefty. I think it is an especially fitting movie for the Christmas season. The story of the prophet David mirrors that of the Savior in remarkable ways. A young boy from Bethlehem is an unexpected choice to be God’s anointed one. Through trust in God, David saves his people and ultimately becomes their king. Taking your family to see the film provides wonderful opportunities to teach your family about the Savior and His mission.
Parents should note, for very young children, there are some moments of intensity.
As with most films that must manage a hefty story, I would have liked to see a little more character development. In order to get through the story in the allotted time, there were moments I felt the emotional beats moved a bit too swiftly to really feel them as I wished. Still, the impact of the message is there and creates a desire to open your Bible, understand the story of David, and worship God in a joyful, hope-filled way.
David premieres December 19, 2025, and I’ve got great news. You can get free tickets to take your children to see the film. Click here to see showtimes and claim your offer.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
