It’s always a glorious day in the world of cinema when A24 drops a new trailer, which is why we’re excited about The Legend of Ochi, a seemingly heartwarming story filled with practical effects.
The Legend of Ochi stars Helena Zengel (she put up a decent performance in 2020’s News of the World) as Yuri, a young girl who lives in a remote mountain village with only one strict rule: never venture outside after dark. Why? Because of the mysterious creatures called “ochi” that inhabit the surrounding forests. However, when Yuri encounters a baby ochi, her world turns upside down, and we join her in an extraordinary journey.
Baby ochi, with its golden fur and oversized ears, has already turned into an internet phenomenon, much like The Mandalorian‘s Baby Yoda. At this rate, there’s a good chance he might become this year’s adorable mascot.
While the cute creature might steal the spotlight, the human cast is equally impressive. Willem Dafoe, no stranger to A24 productions, appears as a crusty, ochi-hating zealot (fittingly so for a man of his talents), wielding a spear and likely to provide some dramatic tension. The cast also includes Finn Wolfhard from Stranger Things and the talented Emily Watson.
Behind the camera is Isaiah Saxon, who is making his feature directorial debut after a career in music videos and animation. Interestingly, The Legend of Ochi is being billed as an “adventure musical.” Here’s hoping that the film’s soundscape will be as fascinating as its visuals.
A24 has built itself a reputation of assertive takes on various genres, something it seems to be expanding on with this all-ages fantasy adventure. It’s a move that could open up new avenues for the studio while staying true to its commitment to auteur projects.
The Legend of Ochi is set to land in theaters on February 28, 2025.
