The Legend Of Ochi Movie Review: Reconciliation and myth collide in a slow-burning adventure

Time of India

30-04-2025

Story: Yuri, a young girl from a village living in constant fear of Ochis, mythical creatures, sets out to return a baby Ochi she finds injured. Along the way, she discovers her strength and strives for reconciliation between her community and the mythical beings.
Review: It's tough to figure out if 'The Legend of Ochi' is aimed at children or adults, given the peculiar nature of the plot. On one hand, we see Willem Dafoe's character becoming violent towards the Ochis, mythical primate-like creatures, while on the other hand, his daughter, Yuri, forms a protective bond with a baby Ochi. This duality makes it hard to pinpoint the target audience, and in the end, the film becomes predictable and dull. While the stunning cinematography and the charming baby Ochi captivate at times, the film struggles with narrative depth. For most of its duration, nothing significant happens, and the film appeals only sporadically. Despite its captivating backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains, the plot fails to maintain a compelling rhythm, making it difficult to stay engaged.
The story follows Yuri (Helena Zengel), a young girl raised in a tight-knit community in the isolated mountains of Carpathia. The people live in constant fear of the Ochi, elusive and dangerous creatures. Yuri's father, Maxim (Willem Dafoe), a strict man, has always warned her to avoid the Ochi, especially after the disappearance of her mother, believed to have been taken by the creatures. However, Yuri's world shifts when she discovers an injured baby Ochi in the forest. The bond between them grows, and Yuri even begins to understand the creature's language. Determined to return the baby to its family, she embarks on a journey. Along the way, she meets Dasha (Emily Watson), a herbalist with knowledge of the Ochi, who helps Yuri connect with the creatures and uncover their true nature. Yuri learns to challenge her community's fears and discovers her strength in striving for reconciliation between humans and the Ochi.
Visually, 'The Legend of Ochi' is a standout. The cinematography captures the isolated beauty of Carpathia, with sweeping shots of mountains and dense forests. The setting, paired with the mystical Ochi, creates an atmosphere that could have made the film engaging. However, the film falters in its screenplay. The pacing is uneven, and much of the plot feels meandering and underdeveloped. The characters are not given enough depth, making it hard for viewers to form emotional connections. The balance between fantasy and drama is shaky, with the film failing to explore the potential of its premise fully. Despite the visuals and premise, the story feels thin and predictable, offering little originality.
In terms of performances, Willem Dafoe brings a quiet menace to Maxim, the conservative father who invokes fear in his daughter and others. Emily Watson's brief appearance as Dasha is one of the film's highlights. Though her screen time is limited, Watson's portrayal brings a sense of wisdom and warmth. It's Helena Zengel's performance as Yuri that truly stands out. She delivers a natural, vulnerable performance that anchors the film with warmth and tenderness, providing much-needed emotional depth.
'The Legend of Ochi' had potential but falls short in key areas. While the film boasts stunning visuals and a few memorable performances, its underdeveloped plot and lack of emotional connection make it a missed opportunity. It doesn't quite live up to its potential, leaving viewers wishing for a more engaging narrative and sharper execution.