A24's New Movie With 80% on RT Is a Perfect Choice for the Whole Family to Watch
This is a kind project with a touching, uplifting finale and rich visuals with picturesque scenes.
Over the past decade, A24 has become the most ambitious player not only in the production and distribution of independent films, but in the film industry as a whole.
It has released a number of successful projects, some of which have even become iconic. However, it was not until 2025 that A24 entered the family film arena.
A24's first full-fledged family film is the adventure fantasy The Legend of Ochi from director and screenwriter Isaiah Saxon.
What Is The Legend of Ochi About?
On the fictional island of Carpathia lives a shy girl named Yuri. Like many other locals, she has been taught since childhood to be wary of the ochi animals. The main character's father often hunts these bizarre, monkey-like animals.
One day, after one of her father's forays, Yuri finds a baby ochi caught in a trap with an injured paw. The girl decides to take care of it and takes the animal with her. Soon Yuri realizes that the horror stories her father told her about these animals have nothing to do with reality.
Together with baby ochi, Yuri sets out on a journey to help him return to his family. The girl has no idea how emotional and important this journey will become for her.
The Legend of Ochi Is a Simple but Charming Family Movie
The plot of The Legend of Ochi could well be suitable for a classic Disney or Pixar animation. The story of the friendship between Yuri and baby ochi turns out to be simple and humane in a good way. Don't expect any revelations and twists and turns from the movie with a modest running time of only an hour and a half.
But the story of Yuri's family, even without any complex thought, gives the film an emotional depth, which leads to a touching and optimistic ending.
Isaiah Saxon Turns a Classic Plot Into a Colorful and Picturesque Fairy Tale
In general, the plot, standard for many family films, flourishes under the wing of A24, thanks to the company's traditional auteur approach.
By and large, it consists of the free creative expression of the film's creators, without the primary expectation of impressive box office receipts for the project.
Isaiah Saxon, who made his debut in cinema as a director and screenwriter, chose an unusual setting, combining the color of the way of life of the people of the communist bloc and the rich, magnificent mountain and forest views of Romania. Thanks to this decision, the movie turned out to be extremely picturesque.