Get the latest gossip
‘The Legend of Ochi’ Review: Practical Magic Breathes Life Into A24’s Grounded Fantasy Preaching Man’s Coexistence With Nature
Isaiah Saxon's 'The Legend of Ochi,' debuting at Sundance ahead of an April release, finds life in its impressive, affectionate practical effects.
Furry monkey-like creatures of an orange-hued pelt with pronounced ears and huge dark eyes, the Ochi could feel just at home in the “Star Wars” universe, James Cameron’s “Avatar” realm Pandora or in Amblin classics like the “Gremlins” series. Saxon, perhaps best known for directing the stunning “Wanderlust” music video for Icelandic artist Björk, flexes the visual prowess that he and his team at Encyclopedia Pictura have developed over two decades, which combines plenty of handmade elements with digital tools. Fire rages in the forest one night when the village’s de facto guardian Maxim (Willem Dafoe), and his troupe of gun-toting child troglodytes trained in his image, hunt the Ochi (humans blame them for the disappearance of farm animals).
Or read this on Variety