Directed by: Isaiah Saxon
Written by: Isaiah Saxon
Run Time: 1 hour 35 mins
If you were to pick an A24 film at random, chances are you would end up with either a psychological horror or a character-driven drama. Far less likely would be something family-friendly, as of all their previous films, perhaps only one, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021), would fit this category. Keen to embrace other age appropriate options then, their latest film, Isaiah Saxon’s The Legend of Ochi, presents audiences with a quaint fantasy adventure complete with cutesy creature to boot.
His film follows young farm girl Yuri (Helena Zengel) who has been raised by her father Maxim (Willem Dafoe) on the fictional island of Carpathia. She has been taught to fear the reclusive creatures known as the Ochi who also reside on the island, but when she finds a youngling caught in one of their traps, she makes it her mission to reunite him with his family.
It’s quickly apparent what attracted A24 to The Legend of Ochi, as Saxon’s script has a pleasing mixture of quirky humour and narrative whimsy that aligns perfectly with the film company’s idiosyncratic brand. This, combined with its central focus on the adorable baby Ochi gives the film an alternative tone that feels a little like if Wes Anderson was to direct a Gremlins movie. Much of this charm does come courtesy of the titular creature, which is brought to life by way of impressive practical effects and skilled puppetry. However, while the Ochi may be the main attraction, it’s actually one of its human co-stars that steals the show.
Yes, because as Yuri’s eccentric father, Willem Dafoe unsurprisingly proves the most entertaining. His devotion to protecting his home and family from the Ochi sees him as the unhinged leader of a juvenile gang, taking the village’s children on hunting missions and indoctrinating their young minds. It’s made clear early on that his wife, Yuri’s mum, Dasha (Emily Watson) left the family home some time ago. The exact reasoning isn’t disclosed but Maxim’s behaviour certainly feels like a factor in her departure. When Maxim discovers Yuri has left too, he assumes that the Ochi must have kidnapped her. So in a desperate response he mounts a rescue attempt, donning some childish, costume-like armour – played out in wonderfully earnest fashion by Dafoe – exclaiming “A father’s greatest treasure is his daughter,” but in fact, this story is actually more about Yuri and her distant mother.
Dafoe’s performance only becomes more amusing when Maxim and Dasha are reunited. The inevitable confrontation between the pair becomes the funniest scene of the film, with Emily Watson cutting through Dafoe’s crazed portrayal with more restrained but equally as assured work. It’s unfortunate that their dynamic is always more engaging than the central one between Yuri and the Ochi, as while many of their interactions are undeniably endearing, their chemistry never reaches the heights necessary to evoke an impassioned response from viewers.
Helena Zengel does a fine job at conveying Yuri’s determination in returning the young Ochi to his family, defying all those around her who repeatedly tell her it’s a bad idea. On paper it makes perfect sense, as she too yearns to be reunited with her estranged parent. Yet, her character isn’t given enough dimension beyond this, keeping most of her scenes with the Ochi rather one-note. Nonetheless, it’s all very sweet, and the fantasy elements are at times utilised to enchanting effect.
This is felt most vividly in the film’s colourful climatic moments. However, just as the picturesque finale comes into view the somewhat schlocky visuals, that at first feel like an atmospheric and stylistic choice, do eventually reveal themselves to be genuine shortcomings. As with a few instances of substandard CGI and poor green screen present, these technical faults risk ruining the fantasy altogether.
Thankfully it’s the film’s thematic work that takes precedence in these moments, swelling to an adequately effectual ending. It feels fitting that one of A24’s first forays into family fantasy focuses so intently on just that, family – showcasing the formative power of connecting with those closest to us. As ultimately, The Legend of Ochi is a hopeful film, one that reminds audiences of the healing available to those hurting. And while it may not always deliver this message as harmoniously as the song of its titular species, its chorus of charm and fancy makes for enjoyable enough company while A24 fine-tune their further efforts.
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★
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