As I grew up, I was captivated by the profound mysteries embedded within nature, a sentiment I yearn to impart—that the realm of possibility stretches endlessly. Indeed, this spirit resonates in A24's latest behind-the-scenes featurette for the enchanting adventure film, "The Legend of Ochi," marking the auspicious feature debut of the burgeoning filmmaker, Isaiah Saxon. Renowned for his array of shorts and diverse projects, Saxon has crafted a visually stunning masterpiece with this, his cinematic coming-of-age story. Set for a theatrical release in late April, the narrative follows a young girl living on a mysterious island who, driven by her bond with an extraordinary creature known as an Ochi, ventures into the untamed wilderness alone. Picture a monkey, yet infinitely more mystical and otherworldly.
Having premiered at the prestigious 2025 Sundance Film Festival mere months ago, "The Legend of Ochi" boasts a star-studded cast, including Helena Zengel (acclaimed for her roles in "System Crasher" and "News of the World"), Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson, and Willem Dafoe. Filmed initially in 2021, it took three painstaking years to bring this magical tale to life, with some sequences shot in the enchanting landscapes of Transylvania, amidst the Apuseni Mountains, and by the serene Bâlea Lake.
This featurette offers a glimpse into the intricate puppetry that breathed life into the adorable Ochi character—a testament to old-school craftsmanship, devoid of AI, relying instead on a harmonious blend of practical puppetry and CGI to achieve an authentic, captivating realism. It's a whimsical, heartwarming film about forging an unbreakable bond with nature's creatures.
In a secluded northern hamlet, Yuri (Helena Zengel), raised with tales of darkness and forest entities known as the ochi, is warned never to wander beyond the village after dusk. But when a baby ochi is abandoned by its kin, Yuri embarks on an exhilarating journey to reunite it with its family. Penned and directed by American indie film maven Isaiah Saxon, whose official website chronicles his journey from shorts to the establishment of his animation studio, Encyclopedia Pictura, "The Legend of Ochi" marks a significant milestone. Saxon, who also co-founded Trout Gulch, a unique forest neighborhood and farm in 2008, now presents his first feature film.
Produced by Traci Carlson, Richard Peete, Isaiah Saxon, and Jonathan Wang, "The Legend of Ochi" premiered at Sundance in 2025 and will enchant audiences in US theaters from April 25th, 2025, brought to you by A24. Isn't the anticipation palpable?
