“David” - A Review


I make it a point to attend Christian movies that are released in theaters on a national level. This past Tuesday, I saw “David.” I had high expectations since it was the second highest grossing movie in America on its opening weekend. One thing I noticed was better animation than the previous Bible-based movie I attended (“Light of the World”). 

Based on 1 and 2 Samuel, “David” begins with the title character overseeing his father’s flock of sheep. While one of them gave birth to a lamb, David fought off a lion. He soon returns home and is surprised to be anointed by the prophet Samuel as the next king of Israel. Meanwhile, the reigning King Saul faces personal issues as well as external threats to his kingdom. 


The well-known story of David fighting Goliath has two noticeable omissions. It doesn’t show King Saul offering his daughter as a wife, plus tax exemption as rewards for killing the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:25). It also doesn’t show David cutting off Goliath’s head after the giant was knocked out by a stone. The latter was probably done to avoid frightening children. Ironically, a replica of a bloodied knife advertising an upcoming horror movie was on display near the entrance where “David” was playing.


The movie ends after David delivers his people from the Amalekites. As the credits roll, a QR code is shown along with a request from producer Phil Cunningham to “pay it forward.” He desires to have 1 million kids see this story about faith and courage. The ending also features a long thank you list of crowdfunders.


Several songs are performed such as “Why God - My God” (based on Psalm 22) and “I Will Not Be Afraid.” Christian singer Phil Wickman sang many of the songs and is also the voice of the adult David. Lauren Daigle is one of the vocalists on “Follow the Light”, plus voices the little girl Rebecca. An Israeli singer named Miri Mesika voices David’s mother who encourages him when he doesn’t know what God was doing. She explains that God is weaving a tapestry of his life. 


“David” is rated PG for “action/violence and some scary images”, but it’s a excellent film for the whole family to see. It’s a reminder to always look to God and not entirely rely on human strength to overcome obstacles.


“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” - 2 Chronicles 32:8

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