David Lowery hasn’t really been my bag in the past (meaning I didn’t think much to Aint Them Bodies Saints) but his emotionally wrought, golden heart sensibility proves to be a great fit for Disney. Pete’s Dragon is quiet and gentle and told almost exclusively from the child’s perspective. Everything glows with a wonder and optimism that would usually be saccharine but works here.

Also Lowery gets bonus points for making me rethink my stance on creepy noises in the woods. Next time you find yourself alone at night and hear some eerie branches cracking or leaves rustling, instead of a deranged murderer or the blair witch it might actually be a cute friendly dragon called Elliott looking for a friend. Here’s hoping anyway.