The Legend of Ochi Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need to Know
A24’s new fantasy adventure film The Legend of Ochi returns to theaters with a throwback to old-school movie magic. Isaiah Saxon’s debut feature film melds classic puppetry with contemporary storytelling in a critic’s choice described as “a charming throwback to adventure movies of the ’80s.”
The film centers around a courageous young girl named Yuri who stumbles upon a lost baby Ochi creature and befriends it, defying everything she’s been raised to believe about humanoid monsters.
The cast includes Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson, and Willem Dafoe. It was released widely on April 25, 2025, following the film’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2025.
The Legend of Ochi Release Journey
It has not been a smooth trip to theaters for The Legend of Ochi. The film was initially scheduled for release on February 28, 2025, but its debut was delayed after Saxon lost his home during the devastating Southern California wildfires earlier this year.
The film’s distributor, A24, moved the release to April to reflect the challenges Saxon faced during this difficult time. Despite the personal tragedy, Saxon attended the film’s world premiere at Sundance, where it earned strong early reviews.
Like many other A24 releases, The Legend of Ochi followed a staggered rollout — premiering in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on April 18, followed by a wide release on April 25. By April 27, the film expanded into 1,153 theaters, earning $1.4 million that weekend — a significant +2648% jump from its limited release gross.
By the end of June 2025, the film had grossed approximately $4.7 million worldwide on a $10 million budget. Industry analysts suggest the film is on track to find a stronger second life through digital and international markets.
The Magical Premise of The Legend of Ochi
The Legend of Ochi is set in a northern village on Carpathia’s fictional island and follows the farm girl Yuri (Helena Zengel). At a young age, Yuri is taught to fear the Ochi, strange creatures from the forest that villagers steer clear of at all costs. The rules in the village are simple: do not go outside after dark, and do not enter the woods.
Things change when Yuri discovers an injured baby Ochi lost from its parents. Instead of fleeing, she connects with the tiny creature. Her decision to help the baby Ochi find its way home leads her on an unexpected journey through forests and mountains.
The film explores themes of bravery, trust, and the courage to confront fear. “Kids will relate to Yuri’s bravery,” Saxon says. “The film illustrates how sometimes what we’re most afraid of isn’t scary at all once we take a moment to explore and understand it.”
Set in the mythical landscape of Carpathia, inspired by Eastern European folklore, the snowy backdrops and enchanted forests create a grounded, magical world. Saxon’s vision adds a unique visual style rarely seen in modern family fantasy films.
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The Legend of Ochi Comes to Life with a Star-Studded Cast
Set in a mystical, forested world inspired by Eastern European folklore, The Legend of Ochi tells the story of a courageous young girl venturing into the unknown to uncover ancient truths. A talented ensemble cast anchors the film’s emotional weight and magical realism.
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Helena Zengel | Yuri | The brave young protagonist ventures into the wilds to face the legend of Ochi. |
| Finn Wolfhard | Petro | A village boy who becomes Yuri’s unexpected friend and ally |
| Emily Watson | Dasha | Yuri’s protective mother harbored fears and secrets |
| Willem Dafoe | Maxim | A mysterious elder who holds the key to the truth behind the Ochi |
The Legend of Ochi: New Workflows of Production
The film is generating buzz for its bold return to traditional filmmaking. Instead of relying on CGI, Saxon used practical effects, including puppetry and animatronics, to bring the Ochi to life.
The largest Ochi puppet required seven performers to operate. “We wanted the Ochi to be tactile and feel real,” Saxon said. “There’s a kind of magic in practical effects that can’t be translated digitally.”
With a modest $10 million budget, the team maximized resources. Filming took place in Romania between November and December 2021, using the natural beauty of Transylvania, Bâlea Lake, and the Apuseni Mountains. They also utilized Castel Film Studios for interior work.
Many backgrounds were created using handcrafted matte paintings—some by Saxon himself. He confirmed online that AI played no role in the creation of the film’s visuals, emphasizing, “Six years of handmade work: puppets, animatronics, matte paintings, and a little bit of 3D animation. No AI.”
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Critical Response to The Legend of Ochi
The film has received mostly positive feedback:
- On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 77% critic score with a 62% audience rating, reflecting strong critical support and mixed but favorable audience reactions.
- Metacritic gives it a 66, indicating “generally favorable reviews.”
Critics praise its throwback vibe and visual storytelling:
“A tactile, retro-coded fantasy… [that feels] hand-made in all the best ways.” — AP News
“A marvel of puppetry and effects that feels like storybook cinema for a new generation.” — Parents.com
“There’s an almost tactile quality to the Ochi creatures that makes them feel undeniably real.” — Eleanor Wu, film critic
However, some critics noted the narrative pacing dips in the middle act, and Polygon pointed out that while the creature bonding shines, the character arcs feel undercooked.
Streaming and Availability
As of late May 2025, The Legend of Ochi became available on major VOD platforms, following its theatrical run. The film remains unrated, but reviews suggest it is appropriate for family viewing, with comparisons drawn to classics like E.T. and The NeverEnding Story.
FAQ
Who directed The Legend of Ochi?
Isaiah Saxon, in his feature film debut.
Will young children enjoy it?
Yes. While officially unrated, critics say it’s suitable for families and young viewers.
Were the Ochi created using AI?
No. The creatures were made using traditional puppetry, animatronics, and light 3D animation.
Where was the movie filmed?
Mostly in Romania, including the Apuseni Mountains, Bâlea Lake, and along the Transfăgărășan road.
When was it released?
The limited release began on April 18, 2025, with a nationwide expansion on April 25, 2025.
Has it won any awards?
As of now, it has not received major awards, but it was featured at children’s festivals and continues to earn critical praise for its craftsmanship.
Final Words
In an era dominated by franchises and CGI, The Legend of Ochi is a heartfelt reminder of what handcrafted movie magic can still offer. Saxon’s debut is a labor of love—six years in the making—and it shows in every frame. While its box office returns have been modest, its emotional resonance and visual splendor may cement it as a future cult classic.
Whether or not it joins the ranks of all-time family adventure films, The Legend of Ochi is a rare and beautiful entry into modern cinema that celebrates imagination, empathy, and the human touch.
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