New film The King of Kings is a pleasant, family-friendly, cat-approved retelling of the gospel

Angel Studios’ The King of Kings is an animated film directed by Seong-ho Jang, loosely inspired by Charles Dickens’ lesser-known work, The Life of Our Lord. Boasting a voice cast so stacked it could pass as a Who’s Who of Hollywood - including Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, Pierce Brosnan, Roman Griffin Davis, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, and Oscar Isaac - the film reimagines the gospel story through Dickens’ eyes, turning it into a bedtime tale for his son, Walter. And if that sounds like a quaint, heartwarming setup, don’t worry - there’s also a cat for comic relief.

A story within a story: Dickens’ retelling of the Gospel

The film’s narrative is structured around Charles Dickens recounting the life of Jesus to his inquisitive young son, Walter, accompanied by their mischievous pet cat, Willa. This storytelling approach makes the film highly accessible, particularly for younger children, as it blends the charm of Victorian London with the warmth and intrigue of biblical history. Dickens’ storytelling is immersive, capturing both the awe of the gospel story and the personal journey of a father trying to instil faith in his son.

the film serves as a gentle, entertaining, and heartfelt introduction to the life of Jesus, particularly for children encountering the story for the first time

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to evoke a childlike sense of wonder. Walter, initially obsessed with King Arthur and the ideals of chivalry, is drawn into the life of Jesus through his father’s narration. Director Seong-ho Jang wonderfully crafts moments of emotional depth, particularly as Walter begins to grasp the gravity of Jesus’ mission and actions. The inclusion of Willa, the playful cat, serves as comic relief, breaking up heavier moments and ensuring younger audiences remain engaged.