The new Fantasy Adventure, Legend of Ochi, hit theaters on April 25, 2025, through A24 with plenty of intrigue. It is the feature debut of Director/Writer Isaiah Saxon, an award-winning music video director known for his imaginative visual style. It is visually stunning and rich with imaginative worldbuilding. With all that in mind, what else does it offer?
Starring Helena Zengel (System Crasher 2019, News of the World 2020) as Yuri, a shy girl living in a remote village on the island of Carpathia. Willem Dafoe (Platoon 19896, Nosferatu 2024) plays her eccentric father Maxim, with Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things series, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire 2024) as her brother Petro, and Emily Watson (Dune: Prophecy series, Small Things Like These 2024) as her mother Dasha. When Yuri discovers a wounded baby ochi—a creature long feared by her people—she embarks on a daring journey to return him to his home.
The Legend of Ochi is visually distinct, blending the otherworldly with the familiar. The island of Carpathia feels like a place out of time—ethereal and ancient, yet grounded in a retro aesthetic that evokes the atmosphere of a lost 1980s fantasy film. By favoring practical effects and puppetry over CGI, the film creates a tactile, immersive world that feels strikingly real and draws the viewer in. Audiences will not be able to resist the adorable ochi baby the way puppies effortlessly melt even the toughest hearts—wide-eyed, curious, and brimming with personality; it is the emotional core of the film and an instant scene-stealer.
Unfortunately, the film’s visual brilliance seems to come at the expense of its storytelling, with the plot feeling thin and secondary to the aesthetic spectacle. Yuri’s internal conflict over her community’s fear of the ochi sets the stage for a promising emotional arc, as she chooses to return the baby ochi that has followed her home.
While the journey includes heartfelt moments, they often feel more like showcases for breathtaking visuals than opportunities for meaningful character development. It is hard to pinpoint precisely what is missing, but there is a particular spark- a touch of narrative magic- that never fully materializes. Combined with noticeable pacing issues, the film struggles to deliver a story as compelling as its imagery.
Saxon may have intended Legend of Ochi as a family film, and he certainly succeeds in crafting a gentle, accessible tone. However, at times, the film feels like it overlooks the need to engage adult viewers. While its simplicity is well-suited for young children, the best family movies offer layers that resonate with audiences of all ages—something this film struggles to fully deliver.
Helena Zengel and Willem Dafoe deliver engaging performances that bring some charm to the film. Zengel brings a quiet strength and vulnerability to Yuri, capturing the character’s shy curiosity and growing courage with subtlety. Dafoe, in his trademark quirky style, steals many scenes as Maxim. His portrayal is especially compelling thanks to a simplistic redemption arc that will resonate with daughters and fathers. Wolfhard’s Petro gets limited dialogue and role in the story, which is an opportunity missed.
Legend of Ochi stands as a vivid showcase of a filmmaker’s vision realized through striking visuals and imaginative worldbuilding—yet it also underscores that even the most enchanting aesthetics require a fully developed story and nuanced characters to truly resonate. Isaiah Saxon’s debut reveals a promising talent with a distinctive visual style, reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s meticulous and whimsical approach, sparking curiosity about his future projects.
While the film will undoubtedly captivate younger audiences and lovers of fantasy spectacle, it leaves room for growth in narrative depth and emotional complexity. These qualities could elevate this magical world into an unforgettable cinematic experience. This is why Cryptic Rock gives Legend of Ochi 2.5 out of 5 stars.
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