Overview

• The Legend of Ochi, directed by Isaiah Saxon and produced by A24, is a family fantasy adventure featuring handcrafted animatronics and minimal CGI.
• Critics are lauding the baby Ochi puppet, operated by seven puppeteers, as a standout creation, drawing comparisons to beloved characters like E.T. and Gizmo from Gremlins.
• Filmed in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, the movie creates a tactile, immersive world with matte paintings, real locations, and retro-inspired cinematography.
• The story follows Yuri, a young girl who embarks on a journey to return an injured baby Ochi to its family, exploring themes of family, empathy, and coexistence.
• While celebrated for its visual craftsmanship, some reviewers note uneven character development and emotional depth in the narrative.