The Legend of Ochi (2025) - Film Review

      The Legend of Ochi, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Isaiah Saxon.

      Featuring Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Razvan Stoica, Carol Bors, David Andrei Baltatu, Andrei Antoniu Anghel, Eduard Mihail Oancea, Tomas Otto Ghela, Eduard Ionut Cucu, and Stefan Burlacu.

      SYNOPSIS:

      In a secluded village on the island of Carpathia, a timid girl is taught to fear a mysterious animal species called ochi. However, when she finds a wounded baby ochi abandoned, she embarks on a journey to bring him back home.

      On the Black Island in Carpathia live the mythological Ochi, creatures animated through impressive puppetry that evoke memories of some of the greatest films (they resemble a mix of a Gremlin and Yoda, but more like a monkey). This aligns well with writer/director Isaiah Saxon’s The Legend of Ochi, a fantasy adventure that artfully incorporates many elements characteristic of Amblin storytelling.

      The film offers a sense of familiarity that coincides with A24's recent explorations into more mainstream content. Although this family-friendly film is accessible to younger viewers—despite some mild profanities and tense moments (it holds a PG rating more akin to those from the 1990s)—its real audience appears to be those who grew up with these cinematic styles and narratives. Nevertheless, it maintains a distinct artistic flair, showcased in sweeping visuals of Carpathian landscapes, misty skies, aerial views of forests, and caves captured by cinematographer Evan Prosofsky that immerse viewers into an almost out-of-time setting.

      The costumes suggest a bygone era, yet the main character enjoys heavy metal music. The film’s temporal setting remains ambiguous, contributing to its fantastical charm. The cultural elements are equally disjointed, exemplified by a Japanese-themed supermarket on the island playing cheerful tunes. Coupled with themes of dysfunctional families and reconnection in a whimsical atmosphere, it's easy to see why this film was chosen for Sundance. This is even before mentioning Willem Dafoe's quirky and endearing portrayal of Maxim, a pro-hunting barbarian who encourages his son Petro (Finn Wolfhard), the boy’s friends, and other local children to embrace savagery while donning a hilariously subpar medieval costume, resembling something from a comic convention. Given the film’s eccentricities, there might even be a comic convention happening nearby the Japanese-themed supermarket.

      Maxim, played by Willem Dafoe, pursues his teenage daughter Yuri (Helena Zengel) after learning she has run away with a baby Ochi, traversing the terrain to bring it back. Maxim believes these creatures are wild and dangerous and must be exterminated. After inadvertently injuring the baby Ochi, Yuri realizes her father's tales were fabricated and that the monkey-like creature poses no threat. Naturally, she hides it in her backpack for the journey.

      Yuri clearly differs from her father; she is not a hunter and prefers caring for animals, such as caterpillars, rather than inflicting pain. Unlike her father, who is loud and aggressive, Yuri is timid and avoids making eye contact. Although Petro is not quite as aggressive, he goes along with his father's barbaric beliefs, likely hoping to earn his approval. Yuri also contemplates her mother (Emily Watson) and why she left after becoming disenchanted with Maxim. While these dynamics aren't groundbreaking, the film handles minor character details with thoughtful nuance throughout the strong ensemble cast.

      Despite some excessively drawn-out segments that could use more levity, the overall tone of the film is somber. While this isn't inherently negative, it does create a sense that something is needed to ignite the adventure. Nonetheless, the film's quirky elements, charming Ochi, a refreshing reliance on practical effects, and a gently emotional climax render The Legend of Ochi a worthwhile watch. It offers a delightful and sweet respite from typical family-friendly and contemporary films.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is part of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He serves as the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.