If there was any hidden intention to recover something of the spirit of Steven Spielberg's family films from elsewhere, the entire purpose of bringing it to life falls by the wayside. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 2/5 | May 15, 2025

A lethargic final product, with a dense and dark atmosphere, filled with performances lacking in energy or charisma. This is the kind of film that should thrill, but unfortunately, will leave you sedated or at least a bit sleepy. [Full review in Spanish].

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | May 15, 2025

While its main plot isn't radically innovative, its subtextual richness and nuanced approach to the complexities of a dysfunctional family from the protagonist's perspective...make it a highly enjoyable experience... [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 7/10 | May 14, 2025

...it's a classic story in its structure and in a form that, while not original, manages to shed the most common points of major studio productions. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 13, 2025

Saxon's lovingly handcrafted bedtime story is sturdy matinee fare with a big heart.

| May 12, 2025

Despite its flaws, the movie remains an overall very sweet and enjoyable watch, and a decent start to A24’s more family oriented fare.

| Original Score: B | May 12, 2025

Most spectacularly, Saxton deploys some master puppeteers to make the Ochi look realistic, both in their expressions and movement. Making these creatures interact with Zengel … is like witnessing magic in real time.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | May 10, 2025

But the story has no relevance, Yuri (Helena Zengel), the hero, has zero personality, and the puppet-based titular creatures she’s trying to save are some of the dullest creations I’ve seen in ages.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | May 4, 2025

The Legend of Ochi becomes a distinctly deflating watch, opening as it does with such promise, then offering no new sustenance for the audience’s attention as it moves through its narrative.

| May 3, 2025

“The Legend of Ochi” is a gentle fable that imagines people being able to realize there is a better way of being and living in harmony together. It’s certain to warm the heart and tug at it too.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 2, 2025

The Legend of Ochi is paced a bit ploddingly and without many surprises...But the details of its Carpathian neverland are delightfully different from what we’re used to seeing, and the actors all give excellent performances...

| May 2, 2025

"It’s just a shame the film’s storytelling is never as assured as Saxon’s other creative choices."

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | May 2, 2025

The Legend of Ochi may be a film that slips by most, but those looking for or longing for an unusual adventure will find the film delightful, on the whole.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 2, 2025

The Legend of Ochi’s storytelling is so disappointing because the rest of the movie is so impressive.

| May 1, 2025

While the stunning cinematography and the charming baby Ochi captivate at times, the film struggles with narrative depth. For most of its duration, nothing significant happens, and the film appeals only sporadically.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 30, 2025

Most Hollywood monsters aren’t being rendered on this intimate scale, but there’s a craftsmanship to "Ochi" that the bigger blockbusters could stand to reclaim.

| Apr 30, 2025

Like the Ochi, the film remains fascinating but beyond our complete understanding. It’s often beautiful to behold but difficult to run wild with.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 30, 2025

Between the pleasing color palette and impressive practical effects work, The Legend of Ochi certainly has striking imagery to spare.

| Apr 29, 2025

Willem Dafoe always gives a memorable performance on film and I literally wanted to grab baby Ochi off the screen and take him home with me!

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 29, 2025

The movie is tightly packed with incident, maybe overpacked, but Saxon’s fairy tale is an intense, lived-in experience, its centuries-old folkloric atmosphere dotted with all the usual intrusive elements of progress.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Apr 28, 2025