Overview

• The Legend of Ochi, directed by Isaiah Saxon, follows a young girl named Yuri on a quest to return a mythical creature to its tribe on the fictional island of Carpathia.
• The film, produced on a $10 million budget, features practical effects including puppetry, animatronics, and over 200 matte paintings created during three years of postproduction.
• After the release of its trailer, some viewers mistakenly attributed the film's polished visuals to AI, prompting Saxon to affirm the movie's entirely handcrafted production process.
• Critics are split, with some praising the film's imaginative visuals and craftsmanship, while others fault its pacing, character development, and narrative depth.
• The Legend of Ochi, backed by A24 and rated PG, will debut in select theaters on April 25, marking Saxon's feature film debut.