In A24’s latest fantasy-adventure film, “The Legend of Ochi,” one of the most remarkable characters is the mythical creature named Ochi, a monkey-like animal with golden fur and large ears. Unlike other ochi in the film, which are a bit larger than humans, the main ochi is a baby, small enough to sit on a child’s shoulder. Interestingly, this creature isn’t a product of digital effects; it’s actually a puppet operated by a team of seven puppeteers.
[Note: This article contains minor spoilers for “The Legend of Ochi.”]
The ochi is a fictional species from the Carpathian Mountains, crafted by writer-director Isaiah Saxon. The locals perceive the ochi as monsters. Grizzled Maxim (played by Willem Dafoe) hunts them, while isolated Dasha (Emily Watson), who left her village behind, studies them. However, their lonely 12-year-old daughter, Yuri (Helena Zengel), forms a unique bond with a lost baby ochi and sets out on a journey to return it to the forest. Although Yuri and the baby ochi can’t verbally communicate, they forge a deep understanding of each other.
Yuri’s interactions with the baby ochi range from an energetic chase in a grocery store—where she must keep the creature concealed—to tender moments. Director Saxon and Zengel noted that while action scenes are physically demanding, the quiet scenes where authenticity and emotional connection are key were more challenging.
“The action scenes are physically tough but more forgiving due to numerous cuts and motions,” Saxon explains. “The intimate scenes between Helena and Baby Ochi hold the movie’s entire weight, demanding complete authenticity. Synchronizing Helena’s performance with that of Baby Ochi was the highest pressure.”
“You have almost no language, yet you have to convey so much and have the audience believe you,” Zengel adds.
Her scenes involved more than just Zengel and the puppet—it included seven puppeteers creating the ochi’s movements. Yet, the camera focuses solely on Zengel and the creature.
“The hardest task was shooting wide scenes where both characters’ performances synchronized perfectly,” Saxon mentions. “Getting multiple people operating Baby Ochi in sync with Helena’s natural performance was extremely tough.”
While Saxon managed to combine shots from different takes, shots where the ochi was perched on Zengel’s shoulder posed unique challenges. Zengel found working with puppets required significant patience.
“It takes a long time to get everything perfect—the ochi, my expressions, the shot,” shares Zengel. “Sometimes detail errors or sudden laughter required re-takes, much to my frustration,” she says, smiling.
“The Legend of Ochi” is currently in limited release and will be available nationwide on April 25.
