Frustrating Family Fracture: The Problematic Legacy of A24’s Dark Fantasy Epic Legend of Ochi
The Legend of Ochi: A Fantastical Disappointment
Imagine a child befriending a creature that no one else dares to approach – an ape-like ochi, native to the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe. Sounds like the stuff of fantasy adventure, right? In "The Legend of Ochi," writer-director Isaiah Saxon’s sophomore feature, this premise is the backbone of the story. But, unfortunately, the final execution falls flat, leaving us with a tale that fails to deliver the magic and wonder we’ve come to expect from this subgenre.
At its core, "The Legend of Ochi" is a coming-of-age story about Yuri, a lonely teenage girl grappling with the aftermath of a family tragedy. She befriends an ochi, a creature that’s both ferocious and misunderstood, and the two form a bond. Think "E.T." meets "The Black Stallion," but without the timeless charm and authenticity of those classics. While some moments of genuine connection between Yuri and the ochi do spark, these fleeting moments are drowned out by a narrative that struggles to tie everything together.
The film’s biggest problem is its inability to balance the two main storylines: Yuri’s relationships with the ochi and her family. Saxon’s script excises the quieter, more intimate moments, leaving us with a protagonist who feels emotionally distant and, at times, disconnected from both the audience and her surroundings. This absence of emotional resonance is particularly jarring when the story tries to culminate in a cathartic moment, only to fall flat due to a lack of buildup and authenticity.
The Verdict
While some scenes may evoke a glimmer of sentiment, they’re not enough to save "The Legend of Ochi" from the abyss of disappointment. The film’s failure to stitch together its two primary storylines leaves us with a sense of disconnection, making it difficult to care about the characters or their fates. In the end, it’s a fantasy adventure that fails to deliver the magic and wonder we crave, leaving us wondering what could’ve been.
Watch It If You Like:
- "E.T."
- "The Black Stallion"
- Coming-of-age stories with a fantastical twist
The Legend of Ochi hits theaters on April 25.
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