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Cinematic mystery boxes can yield treasures or disappointments – and this week, Nathan unpacks a decidedly strange Screen Unseen experience with A24's "The Legend of Ochi." This peculiar PG-rated creature feature stars Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, and Finn Wolfhard in a tale about a shy village girl who discovers a wounded baby creature and embarks on a quest to return it home.
What starts as an intriguing premise quickly unravels into narrative confusion. Nathan breaks down how the film introduces compelling elements – like a mysterious bite that causes swelling, the protagonist's unexplained ability to communicate with creatures, and hints at village-creature conflict – only to abandon them without resolution. The frustration of watching potential storylines collapse makes for a particularly disappointing viewing experience, especially from a studio known for its boundary-pushing content.
Despite giving the film a measly two-star rating, Nathan finds silver linings in Willem Dafoe's reliable performance (despite the actor's increasingly eclectic role choices) and the undeniable cuteness of the baby Ochi itself. The creatures, described as a cross between Gremlins with Wookiee-like vocalizations, provide some visual interest but can't save the disjointed storytelling. Join us for this brutally honest review that reminds us sometimes mystery screenings miss the mark – and stay tuned for next week's potentially equally disappointing video game adaptation of "Until Dawn." Whether you're looking for films to watch or avoid, the Couch Critic has you covered with unfiltered opinions on every Cinema Saturday.