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A24’s 'The Legend of Ochi': Upcoming Fantasy With Romanian Landscapes and Mythic Creatures

Stills from the movie 'The Legend of Ochi' (2025)

Stranger Things’ star and Willem Dafoe join a quiet fantasy epic.

A24's The Legend of Ochi, directed by Isaiah Saxon, is a visually rich fantasy adventure that follows Yuri, a shy farm girl from the island of Carpathia, who defies her community's beliefs by helping a wounded baby creature known as an Ochi. The film explores themes of communication, empathy, and the distortion of truth through myths and traditions.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2025 and will be expanded to a nationwide release in the U.S. and U.K. on April 25, 2025. The official trailer, released in October 2024, showcases the film's unique blend of practical effects and emotional storytelling.

Filming took place in Romania, utilizing the natural beauty of the Apuseni Mountains, Bâlea Lake, and the Transfăgărășan road to create the lush landscapes of Carpathia. The production emphasized practical effects, including puppetry and animatronics, to bring the Ochi creatures to life, enhancing the film's tactile and immersive quality. ​

The Legend of Ochi

The film stars Helena Zengel as Yuri, with supporting performances by Finn Wolfhard, Willem Dafoe, and Emily Watson. The musical score, composed by David Longstreth of Dirty Projectors, complements the film's emotional depth and visual storytelling. ​

The Legend of Ochi has been praised for its exploration of empathy, the questioning of inherited beliefs, and the importance of understanding across generations. Critics have highlighted the film's visual artistry and the heartfelt performances of its cast. ​

For those interested in a fantasy film that combines traditional storytelling with modern themes, The Legend of Ochi offers a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.

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