A24 is not known as a family film studio. For every Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, there’s Hereditary, Uncut Gems, Midsommar, Talk to Me, Green Room — the list goes on and on. Some of the best films ever to reach the big screen, despite what some overly subversive film nerds say.
A24 films are character-driven slow burns with popping color palettes and natural but stylistic visuals. That aesthetic is front and center here. A sweeping open montage connects the story’s folklore to modern times. Then you meet Willem Dafoe, also known as Willem Da-A24. He starts chewing scenery in his first frame and doesn’t stop as he leads a band of young hunters who apparently are continuing the tradition of hunting Ochi.
Among the hunting crew is main character Yuri, played by German actress Helena Zengel. Yuri spots a young Ochi and later sets out to rescue it. Sound familiar? The E.T. vibes aren’t subtle. But this A24-produced film replaces the Spielberg-approved Amblin sheen for the A24 pallette and tone.
That’s to say, things get fantastical. And weird. It goes a little too far at times. Including DaFoe’s melodramatic character, who is almost to the point of being goofy and slapstick. The film often follows that lead. The attempt at absurdity feels like it’s trying a little too hard — at being a family film and being an A24 film. That gets in the way of what should make the film work like classic Amblin films The Goonies, Gremlins, or Back to the Future.
These films bring the fantastic into our reality. Our everyday lives are upended by myths, monsters, and mad scientists. The Legend of Ochi tries to create a reality that grounds you before throwing in fantasy elements. The problem is, the film never really grounds you. Not that the setting or folklore are too out there. It’s picture book-simple. The film is beautiful and creative. But its big moments feel disconnected, like they’re part of an ancient legend that we’re only able to see part of.
What’s on screen is incredible. The creatures come to life thanks to amazing puppetry. Check out this video showing the craftsmanship that goes into creating and movie these creatures. Unfortunately, the Ochi look like CGI because the setting is so filtered and manipulated with actual CGI.
And that’s my issue with The Legend of Ochi. There’s something special at work here but the film gets in its own way trying to fit a genre or studio aesthetic. It’s trying to impress you. And it almost does.
If you’re looking for something fresh on your next family film night, you can do worse than The Legend of Ochi. The story arcs are choppy but pay off. The setting is over-filtered but beautiful (I see you Romania!). The character motivations lack purpose but the world-class acting and puppetry drive the film forward.
Sip something that’ll relax you. You’re not about to watch the next E.T. But there’s enough on screen to marvel at on a Saturday night with the family.
Where to watch
Rating: PG (Me: 7+)
Director: Isaiah Saxon
Starring: Helena Zengel, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Finn Wolfhard
Run time: 1h 36m
Post-credits scenes: Seriously? It’s an A24 film.
Sequel? Seriously? It’s an A24 film.
If you liked The Legend of Ochi, check out these films:
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) (5+)
- The Water Horse (2007) (6+)
- Where the Wild Things Are (2009) (7+)
- The Iron Giant (1999) (6+)
- Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) (9+)
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Find this title on the Family Film Recommendations list
