The Legend of Ochi, Isaiah Saxon's directorial debut, offers a unique blend of puppetry, animatronics, and computer animation to tell a heartfelt family fantasy story. Helena Zengel leads as Yuri, a farm girl who risks everything to return an injured baby Ochi to its family, challenging her community's fearful myths. The film opens with a gripping hunt scene and closes on a satisfying note, demonstrating Saxon's confident storytelling and eye for atmosphere.
Despite its strengths, the film struggles with pacing, spending long stretches without significant plot development, which may test the patience of younger viewers. While the beautiful cinematography and charming creature design capture attention, the performances lack energy, and the overall mood is often too dark and lethargic for its intended family audience. Still, it remains a promising debut with a solid foundation for future projects.
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