Overview

• The Legend of Ochi, directed by Isaiah Saxon and distributed by A24, premiered widely on April 25, 2025, after an eight-year development process.
• The film employs animatronics, puppetry, and practical effects to bring the creatures, especially the baby Ochi, to life, with seven puppeteers handling the intricate movements of the titular creature.
• Set in the fictional island of Carpathia, the story follows Yuri, played by Helena Zengel, on a journey to return an injured baby Ochi to its family, exploring themes of empathy, family, and belonging.
• Critics have praised the film's tactile visuals and 1980s-inspired aesthetic, though some note its narrative leans on familiar coming-of-age tropes.
• The film’s innovative approach to creature design and use of real locations in Romania highlight a revival of practical effects in an era dominated by CGI.