The Legend of Ochi marks the feature‑film debut of director Isaiah Saxon, blending old‑school craftsmanship with a touching coming‑of‑age story. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival before its nationwide release by A24 on April 25, 2025, it follows shy farm girl Yuri as she defies superstition to guide a wounded baby Ochi back to its family. The film’s reliance on handcrafted animatronic puppets—each Ochi operated by seven performers—creates a tactile fantasy world that has captivated critics and audiences alike.
Official Trailer
Experience the magic in the official trailer on YouTube, which teases sweeping Carpathian landscapes and the expressive puppet work that defines the film’s unique look.
Plot
In the isolated village of Carpathia, young Yuri is raised to fear the reclusive creatures known as the Ochi. When she discovers an injured baby Ochi in her father’s trap, Yuri chooses empathy over fear. Defying village superstition and her father’s warnings, she embarks on a perilous journey across forests and mountains to return the creature to its home, discovering courage, compassion, and the power of nonverbal friendship along the way.
Cast & Characters
- Helena Zengel (Yuri): Anchors the film with a quietly brave performance that carries its emotional weight.
- Willem Dafoe (Maxim): Portrays Yuri’s grieving father, whose own loss fuels his hatred of the Ochi.
- Finn Wolfhard (Petro): A loyal village youth whose friendship with Yuri adds warmth and humor.
- Emily Watson (Dasha): The stern village elder whose worldview is transformed by Yuri’s bond with the Ochi.
- Baby Ochi: A fully animatronic puppet, brought to life by a team of seven performers, giving it truly lifelike movement and expression.
Production
Development
Announced in late 2021, Isaiah Saxon’s passion project drew A24’s backing for its blend of practical effects and heartfelt storytelling.
Filming & Effects
Shot on location in Romania’s Apuseni Mountains and along the Transfăgărășan Road, with elaborate sets at Castel Film Studios. The crew built over 200 matte paintings and crafted life‑sized Ochi puppets to ground the film’s fantasy in tangible reality, eschewing CGI in favor of hands‑on artistry.
Themes & Visual Style
Drawing inspiration from classics like The Neverending Story and E.T., The Legend of Ochi celebrates empathy across differences, respect for nature, and the magic of nonverbal communication—all conveyed through tactile, practical effects that invite audiences to believe in the impossible.
Reception
Audiences and critics have embraced its handcrafted charm:
- Holds an 85% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Praised by RogerEbert.com for its “charming throwback” spirit and nuanced puppetry.
- Hailed by Polygon as a “visually enchanting” modern fantasy, even as some note its deliberate pacing.
- Commended by Yahoo Entertainment for its gentle storytelling and family‑friendly heart.
Release Information
- Festival Premiere: January 26, 2025, at the Sundance Film Festival
- Limited Release: April 18, 202,5 in New York and Los Angeles
- Wide Release: April 25, 2025 via A24
- Runtime: 95 minutes
- Rating: PG (thematic elements, mild peril)
Interesting Facts
- The baby Ochi puppet required seven puppeteers for each on‑screen movement, ensuring unmatched expressiveness.
- A planned February release was postponed after Saxon lost his home in early 2025 wildfires, shifting the wide rollout to April.
- A companion field guide, In Search of the Ochi, delves deeper into the lore and creature design and is available through the A24 Shop.
Final Verdict
The Legend of Ochi stands out in 2025 as a rare modern fantasy that champions old‑school craftsmanship and heartfelt storytelling. Its immersive puppetry, earnest performances, and timeless themes make it a must‑see for families and genre enthusiasts—proof that sometimes the most magical effects are the ones you can almost reach out and touch.