Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, and Helena Zengel Star in The Legend of Ochi—And the Trailer is Pure Magic

A24 is set to transport audiences into a breathtaking new world with The Legend of Ochi, a fantasy adventure directed by Isaiah Saxon in his highly anticipated feature debut. Described as “a new fantasy adventure classic” by Collider, the film is already drawing comparisons to beloved 1980s classics like The NeverEnding Story and The Dark Crystal, thanks to its rich world-building, emotional depth, and practical effects.

Set for theatrical release on April 25, 2025, The Legend of Ochi follows a young girl’s journey of self-discovery as she ventures beyond the boundaries of her home to reunite a mythical creature with its kind. With an all-star cast including Helena Zengel, Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, and Emily Watson and a bold commitment to practical effects over CGI, the film is shaping up to be a visually stunning, emotionally compelling cinematic event.

A Journey into the Unknown: Plot Overview

Set on the remote and mystical island of Carpathia, The Legend of Ochi follows Yuri (Helena Zengel), a shy farm girl who has been raised to fear an elusive species known as the ochi, enigmatic creatures rumored to possess supernatural abilities.

But everything changes when Yuri discovers a wounded baby ochi, abandoned and vulnerable. Rather than succumbing to the fear instilled in her by the village elders, she chooses a different path, one of empathy and courage. Determined to reunite the creature with its kind, Yuri embarks on a perilous journey beyond the only world she has ever known.

What follows is an adventure filled with danger, wonder, and self-discovery as Yuri encounters breathtaking landscapes, ancient secrets, and powerful forces that challenge everything she believed to be true. The film is expected to deliver an emotional coming-of-age story wrapped in the grandeur of classic fantasy filmmaking.

“This is the kind of film we don’t see anymore, a fantasy epic that feels both deeply personal and boundlessly imaginative.” – Variety

An All-Star Cast Brings Carpathia to Life

One of the most exciting aspects of The Legend of Ochi is its stellar cast, featuring acclaimed actors known for their ability to bring rich, complex characters to life.

• Helena Zengel (News of the World, System Crasher) as Yuri, the courageous young protagonist.
• Willem Dafoe (The Lighthouse, Spider-Man) as Maxim, a mysterious figure whose knowledge of the ochi could change everything.
• Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things, It) as Petro, a companion on Yuri’s journey.
• Emily Watson (Chernobyl, Breaking the Waves) as Dasha, a key figure in the village who represents the traditional fears and beliefs about the ochi.

This powerful ensemble, paired with Saxon’s visionary direction, ensures that the film will be as emotionally compelling as it is visually stunning.

A Cinematic Masterpiece Rooted in Practical Effects

What truly sets The Legend of Ochi apart from modern fantasy films is its commitment to practical effects and handcrafted artistry.

Bringing the Ochi to Life

Rather than relying on CGI, director Isaiah Saxon opted for intricate puppetry and animatronics to create the ochi creatures, giving them a tangible, otherworldly presence on screen. A team of seven performers operated the puppets, breathing life into these mythical beings in a way that feels both organic and immersive.

This decision was heavily influenced by classic fantasy films like Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal, which used similar techniques to create a world that felt authentic and tactile. The use of real locations instead of green-screen-heavy digital environments further reinforces the film’s grounded, old-school fantasy aesthetic.

Stunning Locations and Immersive Worldbuilding

To bring Carpathia to life, filming took place in the rugged landscapes of Romania, specifically in the Apuseni Mountains, near Bâlea Lake, and along the breathtaking Transfăgărășa road. These majestic, untouched landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for the film’s epic journey.

“Every frame of The Legend of Ochi looks like a painting. Isaiah Saxon’s vision is unlike anything else in modern fantasy cinema.” – RogerEbert.com

Early Reactions and Critical Acclaim

The Legend of Ochi had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2025, where it stunned audiences and critics alike.

Praise for Visual Storytelling

Critics have already hailed the film as a “visually breathtaking achievement”, with Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com comparing it to “the grand adventure films of the 1980s.” He highlighted its handcrafted aesthetic, emotionally resonant story, and immersive world-building, calling it “a triumph of cinematic imagination.”

Variety’s Carlos Aguilar noted that the film’s practical effects give it an unparalleled sense of magic and realism, making audiences feel as if they are stepping into a forgotten myth. He praised Saxon’s ability to craft a world that feels both timeless and fresh, writing

“Few modern films make you wonder how they were made. This is one of them. And the answer only makes it more impressive.” – Variety

Some Criticism for Narrative Choices

Despite the overwhelming praise, some critics have pointed out that the film’s slow-burn pacing and lack of heavy exposition may not appeal to all audiences. Vulture described it as “a mesmerizing but at times frustrating experience,” particularly for those accustomed to faster-paced, exposition-heavy fantasy storytelling.

Why The Legend of Ochi Is a Must-Watch

With its stunning cinematography, unforgettable practical effects, and profoundly emotional storytelling, The Legend of Ochi is poised to become one of the most talked-about fantasy films of the decade.

For fans of classic adventure films, this is a rare chance to experience a movie that recaptures the magic of old-school fantasy storytelling while bringing something new to the genre. Isaiah Saxon’s directorial debut is not to be missed for those craving original, visionary filmmaking.

Catch The Legend of Ochi in theaters everywhere on April 25, 2025.