A24 has already had an impressive early 2025, releasing several films such as Opus, Death of a Unicorn, and most recently Alex Garland’s and Ray Mendoza’s Warfare. Now, their next big release to hit theaters this month is The Legend of Ochi, the first feature film from writer and director Isaiah Saxon. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it has received plenty of positive reviews and praise for its use of puppetry and practical effects. Initially slated for release in March, The Legend of Ochi was pushed back in light of the LA Wildfires that had taken Saxon’s home just days before the world premiere of his first feature film.
Now that the film is inching closer to its new wide release date on April 25, promotion has ramped up. A24 has already released some adorable merchandise, such as the Ochi keychain, to help promote the film. While most other A24 releases this year have been incredibly intense, The Legend of Ochi is shaping up to be a more wholesome film for audiences, with its PG rating allowing for a more diverse group of viewers.
Taking place in a secluded Northern Village on the island of Carpathia, The Legend of Ochi tells the story of a farm girl named Yuri (Helena Zengel), who discovers a baby Ochi, a creature that she’s been taught to fear and hunt by her caretaker Maxim (Willem Dafoe). However, Yuri goes on a journey to reunite the baby Ochi with its family, setting off a grand adventure in the great Amblin tradition. Featuring other actors such as Finn Wolfhard and Emily Watson, the family-friendly adventure film looks to have some of the most impressive production nd set design A24 has had in recent memory.
DiscussingFilm has received an exclusive clip from The Legend of Ochi, and the scene puts both of its stars at the forefront: Zengel’s Yuri and the Ochi puppet. This new look at the film highlights everything viewers can look forward to with the immersive practical effects and fun, original storytelling. Watch the clip below:
The Legend of Ochi will be released in theaters on April 25!
Release Date: April 25, 2025.
Directed by Isaiah Saxon.
Written by Isaiah Saxon.
Produced by Richard Peete, Traci Carlson, Isaiah Saxon, & Jonathan Wang.
Executive Producers: Elisa Alvares, Timo Argillander, Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen, Mike Larocca, Louise Lovegrove, Alex Plapinger, Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, & Angela Russo-Otstot.
Main Cast: Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson, & Willem Dafoe.
Cinematographer: Evan Prosofsky.
Composer: David Longstreth.
Production Companies: AGBO, Encyclopedia Pictura, Neighborhood Watch, & Year of the Rat.
Distributor: A24.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
Rated PG.
