The Legend of Ochi

“Ochi” prompts one to think, “How did they do that?” only to be even more incredulous when realizing the techniques employed. That’s film sorcery.

It feels like a family film made by flesh-and-blood people in an era when computers are doing so much of the work.

It’s evident that The Legend of Ochi’s production values far exceed what might be expected from a reported $10 million budget, and demonstrate that Saxon can deliver a fully realized vision of a highly original concept.

Carpathia is a strange and enchanted place that I’m thrilled to have visited, but I hope the next world Saxon creates allows us to feel the land a little more deeply while we’re there, and gives us a little more to take back home with us when we leave.

Music-video director Isaiah Saxon’s feature debut sometimes wobbles when balancing its impish sense of humour with darker tone, but ultimately, the picture’s peculiarity becomes part of its charm -- as difficult to resist as that adorable titular critter.

Looks magnificently real. It’s a fantasy that makes it hard to believe that it’s a fantasy. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the same level of attention and care does not appear to have been extended to the story or the characters.

Saxon brings a keen visual eye to The Legend of Ochi. Even when Saxon’s film stumbles narratively or leaves character motivation occasionally wanting, the visuals are ready to elevate The Legend of Ochi into wonder and awe territory.

The creature design is incredible, and there’s a lot of mystery to the post-apocalyptic seeming world. Ultimately, though, Ochi is a charming-yet-fairly-standard family-friendly adventure.

It’s a pastiche, yes, but a sweet and delightful one. And it’s one that inarguably looks gorgeous.

Due to the screenplay’s shortcomings, the film’s conclusion feels unsatisfying and deflating.