As shown in Orion and the Dark, the growth trend of children experiencing anxiety has shown a concerning increase in recent years. Factors such as academic pressures, social media exposure, and the fast-paced nature of modern life contribute to heightened stress levels among children. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated anxiety, with disruptions to routines, increased uncertainty, and social isolation impacting children’s mental well-being.

Orion and the Dark

The thing Orion fears the most is the dark. When the embodiment of his worst fear pays a visit, Dark whisks Orion away on a roller-coaster ride around the world to prove there is nothing to be afraid of at night.

PARENTAL NOTES

A Few Things

• When Sleep (the character) puts people to sleep, she does so violently by smothering them with a magic pillow.
• It’s made clear that if the little boy is killed in a dream, he will die for real.
• There is a scene with a dream cat that can talk, and he says, “That was one hell of a presentation.”
• The Lord’s name is taken in vain at least five times.
• “Murder Clowns” are mentioned more than once and briefly shown at least once.

WOKE REPORT

Why I Struggled

• This was a little tough because the ultimate message is that you shouldn’t let fear stop you, which sounds good at first blush. However, Leftists have such a warped sense of right and wrong that it’s difficult to differentiate between the promotion of genuine bravery and being a fool.

Anti-Woke

Going against modern convention, the father figure is extremely important and competent.

Testosterone Levels Are At Record Lows

• It’s yet another kid’s cartoon about a weak and mealy anxiety-ridden boy who ultimately has to be rescued by a together girl.
• The line “It’s such a boys club” is uttered.

The Sky Is Falling

• They make sure to squeeze in the phrase “climate emergency.”