The Wasteland Reviewer

The Legend of Ochi (2025) Written Review

What is the perfect ingredient for a film for the whole family to enjoy? A cute creature or animal that charms small kids all the way up to grown adults. There are plenty of family films that are just animal films from Free Willy to Lassie to endless Disney films about animals. But other big franchises, especially Star Wars, know who to inject some cute creatures into them to grab people’s attention. You might not expect it…but even A24 has gotten on the cute animal movie train with their latest film The Legend of Ochi. Except this film is just as weird as you would expect from an A24 film. 

What is the tale at the heart of this “cute animal movie”? The Legend of Ochi takes place on a gorgeous and dangerous island of Carpathia with all types of animals including the mythical Ochi. A confrontation at the beginning of the film finds young Yuri (Helena Zengel) in possession of an injured baby Ochi (the most adorable thing known to humanity). She makes the bold choice to venture off into the wilderness to return said baby in defiance of her authoritarian father Maxim (Willem Dafoe). The actual plot is standard with a “road trip” feel but injected with a fantastical tone and setting. But there is a chase involved as Maxim and his roving band of armed young men (including his son Petro portrayed by Finn Wolfhard) chase after his “kidnapped” daughter. The connection that develops between Yuri and this small creature is really the heart and driving force of the whole film. Yuri gets up to shenanigans in a supermarket (one of the funnier sequences of the film) and even rediscovers an unexpected connection with Emily Watson’s Dasha. This story develops and resolves in expected ways but there is enough humor, heart, and charm to liven up this familiar tale. 

What types of themes does Isaiah Saxon inject into his feature debut? At the core of this film, it is about parents. The young (adorable) Ochi seeks to return to its mother. Yuri is in conflict and disagreement with her parents. Her journey finds her reconnecting with her parents through the perilous journey she embarks on. The connection she develops with this “monster” makes such a poignant impact bridging the gap between species (in an old-fashioned kind of way. Another interesting layer of the film is the use of music and communication. The most powerful element of the film is the musical synchronization of Ochi. The design of their calls and crying is impressive and holds up quite well. This element of connection is rich and the bridging of gaps through communication becomes a core focus of Saxon’s film. The way music is used in the film is engaging and engrossing. 

Does Saxon deliver the goods from behind the camera? This is a completely engrossing and fully realized cinematic experience. There is such a charming and otherworldly setting with gorgeous natural landscapes mixed with bright and dreamlike colors. There are certainly moments where you can see the fake backgrounds, but it also gives it a bit of an interesting bit of charm. The puppetry with the Ochi is top notch and the character designs are striking and unique. The baby Ochi is one of the most adorable creatures ever put on film and Saxon knows how to highlight that. The music from composer David Longstreth is aethereal and engrossing that really ties this fantasy atmosphere together. There is an interesting mix of camp, dark humor, thrills, and heartwarming emotion. Saxon does a fine job crafting that to elevate this simple story. There are some pacing issues, but this is a fully realized vision that is hard to deny. 

Does this cast of characters create the needed empathy for this wondrous cinematic experience? As stated before…the Ochi is the real MVP. Adorable, spunky, and lovable; this little creature is just a wonder for sure. Helena Zengel is a strong leader who helps anchor this film down. She has a strength and resolve that gives young Yuri that right amount of presence. There are plenty of emotions pouring from Zengel’s performance as she is proving herself as a young talent to look out for. Dafoe makes for a powerful, quirk, and intense presence who has great chemistry and conflict with Zengel. The accent is fantastic, and he decked out in armor and military garb is such a great visual. Emily Watson is intense and hard in her performance as Dasha. This character fits perfectly as a mysterious element in the story and Watson can deliver some great moments with Yuri. Finn Wolfhard is completely wasted as Petro (Yuri’s brother) and the rest of this gang of young boys has little characterization. 

Is The Legend of Ochi a new fantasy adventure worth taking? This is a creative and wondrous experience that is a fully realized directorial vision. The cast is fantastic, and the Ochi is one of the best new cinematic creatures in recent memory. This has a wonderful 80s vibe with Northern European flair (especially with the music). The story is familiar and simple but all the other trappings add plenty extra for this fun and engaging fantasy film.