The Legend of Ochi is a 2025 fantasy adventure film that marks the feature debut of director Isaiah Saxon. Blending practical effects with heartfelt storytelling, the movie has garnered attention for its unique approach to creature design and its nostalgic homage to classic fantasy tales.β
ποΈ Release Information
-
Premiere: January 26, 2025, at the Sundance Film Festival
-
Limited Theatrical Release: April 18, 2025 (New York and Los Angeles)
-
Wide Theatrical Release: April 25, 2025, across the United States β
Originally slated for a February release, the film’s debut was postponed due to Saxon losing his home in the Southern California wildfires. β
π¬ Plot Synopsis
Set on the mythical island of Carpathia, the story follows Yuri, a shy farm girl raised to fear the elusive creatures known as the Ochi. When she discovers an injured baby Ochi, Yuri defies her community’s warnings and embarks on a journey to reunite the creature with its family, challenging her own beliefs and uncovering hidden truths about her world.
π Cast and Characters
-
Helena Zengel as Yuri
-
Willem Dafoe as Maxim, Yuri’s father and a seasoned monster hunter
-
Finn Wolfhard as Petro, Yuri’s brother
-
Emily Watson as Dasha, Yuri’s estranged mother
π₯ Production Highlights
-
Director & Writer: Isaiah Saxon
-
Music Composer: David Longstreth
-
Cinematography: Evan Prosofsky
-
Editing: Paul Rogers
-
Production Companies: AGBO, Encyclopedia Pictura, Neighborhood Watch, Year of the Rat
-
Distributor: A24
-
Runtime: 95 minutes
-
Budget: $10 million
Filming took place in Romania’s Apuseni Mountains, BΓ’lea Lake, and along the TransfΔgΔrΔΘan road. The film is notable for its use of practical effects, including puppetry and animatronics, with the titular creature operated by seven performers. β
πΎ Unique Creature Design
Director Isaiah Saxon sought to create a believable and musically rich language for the Ochi creatures, drawing inspiration from birds, dolphins, and primates. He discovered YouTuber Paul “The Birdman” Manalatos, whose throat-whistling techniques were incorporated into the film’s sound design. Manalatos’ performances were blended with natural animal sounds to bring the Ochi’s vocalizations to life. β
π Critical Reception
The Legend of Ochi has received generally favorable reviews:
-
Metacritic Score: 66/100, based on 10 critic reviews
-
Variety: Praised the film’s visual wonder and unique style.
-
The Hollywood Reporter: Described it as a fantastical tale brimming with adventure and originality.
-
RogerEbert.com: Highlighted its charm and practical effects reminiscent of 1980s adventure films.β
While some critics noted a lack of character development, the film’s enchanting visuals and heartfelt storytelling have resonated with audiences seeking a nostalgic fantasy experience. β
πΊ Streaming Availability
As of now, The Legend of Ochi is exclusively available in theaters. Given A24’s distribution deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, the film is expected to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) around August 2025, following a digital release anticipated in late May. βDecider
π External Links
-
Official Website: A24 Films β The Legend of Ochi
-
IMDb Page: The Legend of Ochi
For fans of classic fantasy adventures and practical effects, The Legend of Ochi offers a refreshing cinematic experience that bridges the gap between nostalgic storytelling and modern filmmaking techniques.