Sunrise Animation Studios delivers a visually arresting take on the classic biblical narrative with David, an animated feature that manages to feel both reverent and refreshingly cinematic.

The Cape Town-based studio, best known for the long-running Jungle Beat series, proves it can play in the big leagues with this ambitious production. The animation style strikes a balance between stylized and realistic, with landscapes that evoke classical oil paintings and character designs that convey emotion without veering into caricature.

Director James Sobey keeps the pacing brisk while allowing quieter moments to breathe, particularly in the film’s pastoral first act. The result is a family film that doesn’t talk down to its audience.