Imagine a creature with Yoda's ears, the face of a kinkajou, the furriness of Paddington, and the mischievous charm of Gremlins' Gizmo. What you'd get is probably something akin to Ochi, the adorable protagonist of The Legend Of Ochi, an original A24 fantasy adventure directed by Isaiah Saxon. Saxon, known for his music video work with artists like Björk, Grizzly Bear, and Kanye West, makes his feature debut with this film. Starring Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Finn Wolfhard, and newcomer Helena Zengel, the movie promises an exhilarating journey.
First off, none of the visuals in the trailer are AI-generated, despite what some might claim on social media. Saxon's creation is a blend of animatronics, puppetry, and suit performances, all inspired by his vivid and somewhat eccentric imagination. This tale is a captivating girl-and-her-pet adventure, where Zengel's character escapes into her island's wilderness and encounters the elusive orange beast, Ochi. She forms a unique bond with him, while the island's inhabitants, including Dafoe as her father, harbor a misguided fear of Ochi.
According to Deadline, industry insiders have compared The Legend Of Ochi to Peter Jackson's pre-Lord Of The Rings work, praising its immersive world that captivated A24 executives. The film also caught the attention of The Russo Brothers, who are executive producers on the project. Although the release date remains unknown, fans are eagerly rewatching the trailer to catch another glimpse of Ochi. Who wouldn't want an Ochi? We're ready to venture to any island to find one.
