The nerve pain has been pretty horrendous recently, which is common for this time of year. It’s pretty hellish to go through year after year and can have a detrimental effect on my ability to focus (and mood).
The reason I mention it is that I was looking for something easy to watch. I didn't know anything about the movie when I watched it, however I usually enjoy a DreamWorks animation, so I gave it a go. What I didn't expect was how touching the latest animation by DreamWorks Animation and Netflix would be.
I watched as my childhood self reflected, struggling with a multitude of fears on a daily basis, as played out in Orion's story. What I really appreciated was a moment when they talk about fear and life issues. In the characters of mainstream stories they usually overcome whatever obstacle is in the way and everything is tied up in a satisfying way by the end of the story. However real life isn’t like that, they state that fears don’t always just go away, that bravery is more about the acceptance of fears as part of living life, rather than an absence of fear. It was a tender moment, made more powerful because it wasn’t dismissed.
Personally, as a result of PTSD, I keep the hall light on at night, and the door open a little bit. There are some days (often after a PTSD episode) where I literally can’t sleep until the sun rises. I really liked that the father admitted that he still struggled with the dark too, especially as there is an assumption that you just grow out of it. They didn’t overlook it, instead, understood and showed compassion. Orion and the Dark is a great story, made more powerful by the honesty and vulnerability of the characters.
Image description: Orion and Dark flying through the night sky with the moon behind them.
All our best and love
Ross Fraser and Jeni Dern
Written by – Ross Fraser
