The Legend of Ochi (2025)

The Legend of Ochi release date: April 25, 2025 (limited release: April 18). Written and directed by Isaiah Saxon in his feature film debut and distributed by A24, the film stars Helena Zengel, Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, and Emily Watson.

Set against the mystical backdrop of the island of Carpathia, The Legend of Ochi follows a courageous farm girl named Yuri, played by Helena Zengel, who lives in a secluded northern village where ancient rules forbid venturing out after dark. The villagers live in fear of the Ochi—mysterious and reclusive forest creatures. When Yuri discovers a wounded baby Ochi, she defies the old beliefs and embarks on a perilous journey to reunite the creature with its kin, leading to a transformative adventure that unravels the myths of her people and unlocks deeper truths about nature and empathy.

Rooted in classic fantasy traditions and guided by Saxon’s visionary storytelling, the film explores themes of fear, coexistence, and the magic of the unknown. The cast delivers heartfelt performances, with Dafoe portraying the village elder Maxim, Finn Wolfhard as the curious Petro, and Emily Watson as Yuri’s cautious guardian, Dasha.

Shot largely in Romania’s hauntingly beautiful Apuseni Mountains, the Bâlea Lake region, and along the iconic Transfăgărășan road, the production draws on the rich atmosphere of Eastern European folklore. Blending practical effects—including detailed puppetry and animatronics—with computer animation and hand-crafted matte paintings, Saxon builds a tactile fantasy world on a modest $10 million budget. The titular Ochi creature was brought to life by a team of seven puppeteers, adding a sense of realism and charm to the film’s emotional center.

The Legend of Ochi premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2025, earning early praise for its visual inventiveness and deeply felt storytelling. Originally slated for a February 28 release, the film was delayed to April after Saxon lost his home in the Southern California wildfires, a tragedy that brought industry-wide support for the emerging filmmaker.

A24’s release strategy includes a limited run in New York and Los Angeles on April 18, followed by a nationwide rollout on April 25, 2025. With its handcrafted aesthetic, heartfelt narrative, and fresh directorial voice, The Legend of Ochi is poised to be a standout in the realm of modern fantasy cinema.