Originally published during the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2025, this review is being re-shared now, coinciding with the theatrical release of The Legend of Ochi.
Initially, when the trailer for “The Legend of Ochi” by A24 debuted, some people on social media speculated (unreasonably) that the movie was created using artificial intelligence, causing an unusual online uproar. The brief glimpses into its fictional universe seemed too pristine, too saturated with a familiar sheen of AI-style aesthetics, to appear as if they could be real-world locations. This peculiar debate escalated so much that the film’s writer-director, Isaiah Saxon, felt compelled to address it. Contrary to the speculation, the effects were primarily achieved through intricate puppetry and animatronics, with many settings being a blend of Romanian landscapes and matte paintings. Saxon, a music video director who dedicated years to this project, his first feature, oversaw these elements. Upon watching the film (which premiered at Sundance before its April 25 theater release), it’s evident that a great deal of care and sensitivity has been poured into crafting this predominantly handmade world and the peculiar furry characters at its core. “The Legend of Ochi” appears incredibly lifelike, making it hard to believe that it is, in fact, a work of fantasy.
That’s the good news.
The unfortunate aspect is that the same depth and thoughtfulness seems absent in the narrative and characters, which can be fatal for what’s intended to be a contemporary allegory. The simplistic plot appears as though it’s pieced together from stock elements of traditional fairy tales and myths. Yuri (Helena Zengel), born to a father (Willem Dafoe) hoping for a son, embarks on an adventure with a lovable baby Ochi, a fictional primate species her community is at war against. The obsessive, disturbed father, armed like a makeshift knight, mobilizes the young men of the village to confront these supposed “goblins.” Yuri flees from her father and his followers in search of her mother (Emily Watson) and endeavors to guide Ochi safely to the mythical land of the Ochi. Their journey lacks structure, with no unforeseen challenges or side plots or twists; even an energetic interlude in a contemporary supermarket feels strangely preordained. The baby Ochi, resembling a character preparing for a Gremlins remake, brings to mind magical ’80s family films. However, these movies were memorable not just for their special effects but for the wild, unforgettable tales they told, taking us on emotional rollercoasters of anticipation, fear, and sorrow. It’s not primarily due to their visual effects that people still watch those films.
Instead of being richly developed as one might expect in a compelling narrative, Saxon’s portrayal of characters appears too intellectualized and lacking the necessary emotional depth. The father, enshrouded in a loveless melancholy and residing within cold, militaristic surroundings, finds solace in brooding Russian chants. Contrastingly, the mother inhabits a home that exudes warmth and vitality, filling it with lush greenery, and she is drawn to the upbeat rhythms of Italian pop music. These contrasting elements could potentially shed light on the psychological makeup of these characters and provide insight into why they struggled to coexist, as well as explain the complex nature of Yuri, who is quiet and conflicted. However, this subtlety in characterization only truly resonates if the characters have a certain amount of depth already established. Unfortunately, here the characters remain flat and devoid of life, serving merely as empty vessels waiting for someone to breathe life into them – be it a screenwriter, director, actor, or other creative force.
Much like the tale goes, this island is said to be grappling with the challenges of modernization, undergoing an identity crisis due to the encroachment of technology and foreigners on its ancient customs and timeless ways. This concept is reminiscent of a sociology study, and director Saxon effectively captures this clash of mindsets through visuals. However, these images and concepts remain just that – a backdrop without a script. Despite the stunning realism, we are left with a vague understanding of this land and its inhabitants. Indeed, The Legend of Ochi appears strikingly authentic, but it’s populated by flat characters moving through an insubstantial narrative.
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2025-04-24 17:54