The initial occasion I encountered films such as Labyrinth, The NeverEnding Story, and E.T., I was enchanted not merely by their whimsical realms but also by the artistry that gave life to those realms. Utilizing animatronics, puppetry, matte paintings, and various practical effects, these films felt real—almost as if I could cross through the screen and immerse myself in the adventure.

That same feeling of amazement resurfaced while viewing A24’s The Legend of Ochi, the debut feature from writer/director Isaiah Saxon. With its remarkable use of practical effects, the film captures the essence of classic fantasy adventures, even if its narrative doesn’t always reach the same heights.

What is The Legend of Ochi about?

Set on the fictional island of Carpathia, The Legend of Ochi delves into the clash between humans and a native species known as the Ochi. These beings—wide-eyed, big-eared, and adorned in vibrant blue and gold—are reminiscent of a blend between Grogu from The Mandalorian and golden snub-nosed monkeys. But don’t let their adorableness deceive you: the Ochi are fierce, prompting villager Maxim (Willem Dafoe) to establish a child-led militia to pursue them.

Among those children is Maxim’s daughter, Yuri (Helena Zengel), who takes part in the hunts but doesn’t share her father’s aggressive mindset. She also feels alienated from her peers, including Maxim’s adoptive son Petro (Finn Wolfhard). Instead, Yuri is drawn to her mother Dasha (Emily Watson), who resides further in the mountains and regards the Ochi with intrigue instead of trepidation.

Yuri’s adventure commences when she stumbles upon a lone baby Ochi. Resolute in her mission to return it to its family, she ventures into the wilderness with just a backpack and a set of faux fangs to aid her disguise. Along her journey, she not only aims to reunite the creature with its relatives but also starts to reassess her own fractured familial connections.

While the tale of an outcast forming a bond with a mysterious creature is well-trodden territory, and the film’s examination of familial healing feels somewhat lacking, The Legend of Ochi gleams in other, more enchanting ways.

The Ochi are unforgettable movie beings.

Brought to life through an intricate fusion of animatronics, puppetry, and costumed performers, the Ochi represent a triumph of practical effects. The baby Ochi, in particular, stands out—its motions, expressions, and even its breathing are so realistic that it’s easy to forget it’s a puppet handled by a team of seven puppeteers.

Yet, the film’s visual enchantment extends beyond the creatures. The island of Carpathia is a cinematic wonder, beautifully depicted with atmospheric matte paintings, meticulously crafted sets, and nostalgic cinematography by Evan Prosofsky. The outcome is a world that feels both timeless and vibrantly real—a perfect canvas for an epic fantasy.

Even though The Legend of Ochi falters in its narrative at times, it remains a remarkable achievement in visual storytelling and a welcome addition to the often-neglected genre of live-action family fantasy. Above all, it’s a film that underscores the impact of practical effects and the sense of wonder they can evoke. For younger viewers, it may very well become their Labyrinth—a doorway into the enchantment of filmmaking.

The Legend of Ochi is currently showing in theaters.