Angel Studios has launched its first animated feature, The King of Kings, based on Charles Dickens’ book, The Life of Our Lord, marking a significant entry into the realm of faith-based children’s cinema. Directed by Seong-ho Jang, the film narrates the life and teachings of Jesus Christ through the imaginative lens of Dickens’ youngest son, Walter, played by Roman Griffith Davis.
The story begins with Dickens, portrayed by Kenneth Branagh, engaged in a live reading of his classic, A Christmas Carol. However, the performance is interrupted by the antics of young Walter, who imagines himself as the legendary King Arthur, leading to chaos both on and off stage. After this tumultuous event, Dickens’ wife, Catherine, played by Uma Thurman, suggests that he recount the story of Jesus to Walter. This idea is initially met with skepticism, as Walter is more interested in heroic tales than the life of Christ.
As the narrative unfolds, Dickens recounts the story of Jesus, voiced by Oscar Isaac, from his humble birth in a Bethlehem manger to his crucifixion at the hands of Pontius Pilate and the High Priest Caiaphas. The film cleverly intertwines Dickens’ storytelling with biblical events, allowing Walter to witness significant moments from Jesus’ life, including miracles like healing the leper and walking on water. The artistic direction blends classic Renaissance imagery with modern CGI animation, creating a visually stunning experience that appeals to both children and adults alike.
“Scenes of him healing the leper and walking on water are fantastic!” noted one reviewer, highlighting the film's ability to capture the essence of its biblical roots while maintaining a contemporary appeal.
Despite its engaging visuals, The King of Kings has been critiqued for its pacing. At just under two hours, the film attempts to cover a vast array of events from Jesus’ life, which can feel rushed. Critics argue that while the film hits many key points, it lacks the depth necessary to fully engage with the complex themes presented in the Bible. This episodic approach has led some to feel that the film resembles a “greatest hits compilation” of Jesus’ life rather than a cohesive narrative.
Jang’s direction, while competent, sometimes struggles to balance the film’s dual focus on both Dickensian storytelling and the biblical narrative. The film features a lively cat, Willa, who adds comic relief but has been deemed unnecessary by some critics, particularly as the film approaches its more serious themes surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion.
Oscar Isaac’s portrayal of Jesus has garnered mixed reviews. While he effectively conveys the character's humanity during quieter moments, some feel that the overall depiction lacks the emotional depth that the story demands. Critics have pointed out that the film sometimes portrays Jesus in a dispassionate manner, which may detract from the gravity of his message.
Despite these critiques, The King of Kings has been praised for its accessibility to children. The film’s narrative structure allows for interruptions from Walter, who asks questions that many young viewers might ponder. This approach not only engages children but also makes the film’s religious message more relatable. As one critic remarked, “Having Walter as a witness makes The King of Kings' religious message accessible to children.”
Released on April 11, 2025, The King of Kings aims to resonate with families during the Easter season. Its themes of redemption, love, and forgiveness are timeless, and the film seeks to inspire a new generation of viewers. The film has also embraced a unique marketing strategy, offering one free children’s ticket for every adult ticket sold, which has sparked both interest and discussion among audiences.
The cast also features notable actors such as Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate, Mark Hamill as King Herod, Forest Whitaker as Peter, and Ben Kingsley as High Priest Caiaphas. Their performances, alongside Branagh and Thurman, contribute to the film’s emotional core, providing warmth and depth to the narrative.
In a world where faith-based films often face scrutiny, The King of Kings strives to create a welcoming atmosphere for both believers and non-believers. It presents a message of love and compassion that transcends religious boundaries, making it a film that can be appreciated for its artistic merits as well as its spiritual teachings.
As audiences flock to theaters, the early box office success of The King of Kings indicates a renewed interest in animated biblical stories. Angel Studios’ ambitious project may well pave the way for more faith-based content in the future, reminding viewers of the enduring power of storytelling, especially when it comes to the greatest story ever told.
