The Legend of Ochi (2025) Movie Script
1
(WAVES CRASHING)
(BIRDS SQUAWKING)
YURI: I was born
on a small island
in the Black Sea.
Most people here
live right from the land.
It's how
we've always survived.
(BELL TOLLING)
YURI: For a long time,
nothing much changed here.
(BELL CONTINUES TOLLING)
YURI: But things are starting
to feel different.
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
YURI: People say
it's a dangerous place.
There are bears,
and wolves...
and something else...
Something people fear
is much worse.
(PAGES FLIPPING)
YURI: For as long as I know,
we've fought them.
I've never seen one myself.
But I've heard them,
at night...
(WOMAN SHOUTING OUT)
YURI: ...echoing down
from the mountains.
I still don't know
the whole story.
But since I was
four years old...
the one thing
I've known for sure...
is they destroyed my family.
(I SHOULD TAKE MY BANDURA
PLAYING OVER RADIO)
(INCREASES VOLUME)
(SINGING ALONG IN UKRAINIAN)
(RADAR BEEPS)
(RADAR BEEPS)
(RADAR BEEPING FASTER)
(RADAR BEEPING STOPS)
On foot, boys.
Hi, possum.
Are we going to see one?
Put out your hand.
(BOYS CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY)
Papa gave me that
on my first hunt.
It's sharp.
Yeah, it's a killer.
(INSECTS TRILLING)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(TRILLING)
(TRILLING)
(DEVOURING)
(HUFFING HEAVILY)
(TRILLING)
(SOFT TRILLING)
(SHALLOW BREATHING)
(SOFT TRILLING)
(RUSTLING)
(SNIFFING)
(SHRIEKS)
(GRUNTS)
(SOFT TRILLING)
MAXIM:
Stick to the high ground.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(YELLS)
MAXIM: Boris!
(PEOPLE CLAMORING)
(SHRIEKS)
The trees!
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
-(GUNSHOT)
-(GROWLING)
Stay down!
(SCREAMS)
(TRILLS LOUDLY)
PETRO: Let's go!
(TRILLS ECHOING)
(PANTING)
(GROWLS)
(TRILLING)
(CHITTERING LOUDLY)
(GROWLING LOUDLY)
(CHITTERING IN FEAR)
IVAN: Right there!
(GUNSHOT)
(HOWLING)
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
(BELL TOLLS)
(BELL RINGING)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
(HORN BLOWING)
Last night...
was marvelous,
my little chub-chicks.
We saw the devil
dancing in the goblin's eyes!
But did we fell a single one?
No.
No, we did not.
Was there a fair amount
of piss-shit scatter-shots
and gutless dawdling?
Yes. Yes, there was.
Pavel!
This week, your father's
best stud was bit, bled dry.
Oleg!
Your Uncle Belka, won't stay
on the hill with his herd.
Now he sits at home and drinks!
Ivan! Your father
and his timber crew
have fled the camp.
Your mother feeds the dog
on hog-shit.
Gleb!
On your farm,
five geese and three cats
are yet found!
(COOING)
We are cursed
with a wickedness!
Your parents have
offered you to this cause.
They say, "Here!
Make something of my boy!
"Protect us. Save us!"
When Petro here was 14,
just a reedy twig as you are,
he was orphaned
and left in my care.
Now look at him!
You may think me
nasty and grim.
But remember, my dears,
I know your pain.
The Ochi took my wife.
And for that, I have no son
to call my own.
But if you give your
little hearts to this cause,
as true as I live,
you are all my sons.
(TRY PORADY BY LINA PROKHOROVA
PLAYING DISTANTLY OVER RADIO)
(MUSIC CONTINUES LOUDLY)
(CUTLERY CLINKING)
(RADIO ANNOUNCER SPEAKING
IN UKRAINIAN)
...The Long and Lonely Night.
(THE LONG AND LONELY NIGHT BY
ILYA LUBINSKY PLAYS ON RADIO)
You hear that?
(MAXIM SINGING)
In morning's quiet fire
My love has held it's heat
For a long and lonely night
Amazing.
(WHISTLING TUNE)
You act like it's a torture.
Like a turtle
with its head in the shell.
It's stupid.
(PETRO COUGHING)
That was our song.
Your mom and me.
In school, we learned
there's a kind of bird,
it's called a Pine Warbler.
It's weird, because, basically,
the dad sits on the eggs
instead of mom.
But when it turns
a bigger age,
it leaves the nest,
and the mom teaches it
how to fly and get bugs.
I think it's cool.
I wish you could see her, Yuri.
I do.
-You said I...
-How many times
do I have to tell you?
She left us.
I'm gonna see her.
(SLAMS TABLE)
She doesn't want you.
(THE LONG AND LONELY NIGHCONTINUES PLAYING OVER RADIO)
Have you checked the traps?
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR SLAMS)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(SHRIEKING IN DISTANCE)
(SHRIEKING IN DISTANCE)
(YOUNG OCHI WHIMPERING)
(HISSING)
(PANTING)
(CONTINUES HISSING)
(YOUNG OCHI SCREAMING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(PANTING)
I won't hurt you.
(INSECTS TRILLING)
(PADLON VAGYOK BY OMEN
PLAYING ON STEREO)
(PETRO AND GLEB GRUNTING)
(MUSIC CONTINUES DISTANTLY)
(WOMAN ON TV
SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
(RUSTLING)
(COOS SOFTLY)
(SNIFFING)
(GROANS)
(WHISPERS) It's okay.
(GROANS)
(YOUNG OCHI GROANING)
(HISSING)
-(SNARLS)
-(SNARLS)
(BOTH SNARLING)
(WHISPERS)
I'm not gonna hurt you.
(GROWLS, CHIRPS)
The whistle,
the call of death.
(YOUNG OCHI WHIMPERS)
There.
(SIGHS) Better.
(GROANS SOFTLY)
(CHIRPING)
No. Not for eating.
(CHIRPS)
-No!
-(CHIRPS)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLING)
(COOS)
(COOS)
(CHIRPS)
You're not like they say.
(DISTANT GUNSHOTS)
(SHRIEKS)
(GUNSHOTS)
(PADLON VAGYOK
CONTINUES ON STEREO)
(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPING)
You hear that?
-I need my sleeping bag!
-(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPING)
(TRILLS)
(CREAKING)
(GRUNTS)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Yuri, what is this?
I'll be fine on my own.
You won't make it
in the woods.
Don't be a drama queen.
Look, you can talk to me.
You're only nice
if no one's looking.
I'm taking him home.
Please feed my caterpillars.
(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPS)
(WIND BLOWING)
(SARA BY FRANCO SIMONE
PLAYING OVER CAR TAPE)
(MUSIC STOPS)
-(SHEEP BLEATING)
-(BELLS TINKLING)
(OCHIS CHIRPING DISTANTLY)
(CHIRPING ECHOES)
(CHIRPING CONTINUES)
(WAILING)
(EXHALES)
(PIGS SNORTING)
Where is she?
When did you last see her?
Uh, at dinner,
last night, with you.
(OBJECT CLINKS)
(PAPER RUSTLES)
"I want you to have it back
because it is dumb.
"P.S. I am strong and cool.
"I don't believe
what you say about anything.
"And don't look for me, okay?
Thanks, bye."
Oh, God. (SIGHS)
(FROZEN SHUT BY HISSING
PLAYS LOUDLY)
(DOOR OPENS)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
She's been kidnapped!
Strap it in, assbags!
Let's go!
(DUCKS QUACKING)
MAXIM: A father's
greatest treasure
is his daughter!
OLEG: Under the bridge!
-PAVEL: Where?
-OLEG: Over there.
(WHISPERING) Are you hungry?
(YOUNG OCHI TRILLS)
That sounded like a yes.
(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPS)
Promise to be quiet.
(THE MERMAID BY RUSSYA
PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS)
(MIMICKING MAXIM) We have
strong bones and teeth.
Minced meat stew
seven days a week.
(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPS SOFTLY)
YURI: Dad never let me
come here.
(THE MERMAID
CONTINUES PLAYING)
We only drink from the sheep.
(CHIRPS)
(EGG SHELL CRACKLES)
(SCREAMS)
(SCREECHES)
(SCREAMS)
(ALL SCREAMING, CLAMORING)
Excuse me, miss.
(YOUNG OCHI SNARLING)
YURI: Be quiet. Be quiet.
(MUFFLED SNARLING)
(YURI SCREAMS)
(SCREAMING CONTINUES)
Animals!
(SCREECHING)
(GUN FIRES)
(YURI GRUNTS)
(YOUNG OCHI SCREECHING)
(PANTING)
(ODLAZAK BY PARAF PLAYS)
-Hey! Hey!
-This isn't...
(MAN SPEAKING UKRAINIAN)
Not moving! It's not moving!
-(MAN SPEAKING UKRAINIAN)
(SNARLS)
(SPEAKING IN UKRAINIAN)
I command you to move!
(MAN SHOUTING IN RUSSIAN)
(SHOUTING CONTINUES RUSSIAN)
(BIALA CHORAGIEWKA BY 1984
PLAYS ON CAR TAPE)
(WHIMPERS)
(ENGINE ACCELERATING)
(CHITTERS)
It's not your fault.
We don't belong here.
(RATTLING)
PREACHER ON RADIO: And thou
shalt know that I am the Lord.
For the Lord
had comforted His people.
Shall the prey be taken
from the mighty...
(JOINING IN)
But thus saith the Lord.
Even the captives of
the mighty shall be taken...
PREACHER:
...and the prey of the terrible
shall be delivered.
For I will contend with him
that contendeth with thee...
Oh!
PREACHER: ...and I will
save thy children.
POLICEMAN: Whoa.
Hey, Dina! Check it out!
PREACHER: And they shall be
drunken with their own blood,
as with sweet wine,
and all flesh shall know
that I, the...
(HORSE NEIGHS)
(BELLS TINKLING)
(INSECTS TRILLING)
(WARBLES SOFTLY)
I don't think it's working.
(GENTLE WARBLING)
(TRILLING)
(SNIFFS)
Gross.
(SNIFFS)
(TRILLING)
(GENTLE THROBBING)
(SNIFFS)
(TRILLING)
(MIMICKING TRILLING SOUND)
I never made that sound.
(TRILLING)
I didn't know I could.
(TRILLING)
(TRILLING)
(SNIFFING)
(TRILLS)
(MIMICKING SOUND)
(TRILLING)
(MIMICKING SOUND)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS)
(WARBLING TRILL SOUND)
I can talk to you!
I can talk to you!
I can talk to you!
I can talk to you!
-(SCREAMS)
-(HEAVY THUD)
(HISSES)
(HISSES)
(EXHALES)
MAXIM: Yuri!
(ECHOING IN DISTANCE) Yuri!
(TRILLS SOFTLY)
(WARBLES PLAINTIVELY)
(PLAINTIVE WARBLE)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(WIND WHISTLING)
(PANTING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
Mom.
(SHEEP BLEATING)
-(BAT SQUEALING)
-(BONE SNAPS)
Where is he?
As you may know,
there's such a thing
as a Carpathian brown bat,
common in these highlands.
Can drain a sheep dry.
But this bat,
it has a taste for any
warm-blooded creature
it can find.
Ochi, too.
Oh, yes,
it's very fond of Ochi.
But the Ochi bites it back.
So, after some
thousands of years,
this bat...
has developed a resistance,
an immunity.
Its blood is the only cure
for you.
This may cause
a strong sensation.
(BREATHLESSLY)
I don't want it.
-Nonsense.
-The bite gives me power.
I can talk to him.
You really are my daughter.
In the beginning, you were
just a little grub on my back.
I gave you words.
Things to say.
It's not the bite.
I taught it to you.
(PLAYS NOTES SIMILAR
TO OCHI TRILLS)
Why did you leave me?
(CIGARETTE LIGHTER CLICKS)
(EXHALES)
He kept me from you.
In Carpathia,
the laws catch flies
and let the hornets go free.
(DASHA EXHALES)
So, I've been waiting.
How does a pea weevil,
hatched inside a pea,
know to climb out when
it's never seen the world?
How does an Arctic tern...
know to follow
the same small patch of sky
for three months
and 12,000 miles,
only to land on
the other side of the world
on the same small rock
every year?
It's an inborn melody.
(SCREAMS)
(SCREAM ECHOES)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(SHEEP BLEATING IN DISTANCE)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO)
(BATS SQUEAKING)
(SHEEP BLEATING IN DISTANCE)
(MOURNFUL MUSIC PLAYING
ON FLUTE DISTANTLY)
(EXHALES SOFTLY)
(FLUTE MUSIC
CONTINUES PLAYING LOUDLY)
YURI: I know this.
Dad said it was your song.
This song comes
from the trees, Yuri.
Ochi song.
Their language is unlike ours.
It's more musical,
more emotional.
Yes. They have simple calls.
Names for things.
(PLAYS SHORT TRILL)
(PLAYS TWO MORE SHORT TRILLS)
This much you know.
I taught you this.
But this is just the surface.
Ochi communicate not in words,
but in sensations.
Joy, excitement, pain, fear.
When they sing together,
weaving their feelings
through each other,
a kind of miracle happens.
It's really quite beautiful.
I want that.
Yes, of course.
But, uh, it's not for us.
Ochi sing only to each other
within family groups.
So, it's simply not possible.
But he's my friend.
We can't be friends with them.
They can't be our pets.
We have turned the wolf
into a lapdog.
(EXHALES SOFTLY)
What is that?
Is that his home?
That's where I'm taking him.
(COUGHS, SPLUTTERS)
My dear, that would lead to
certain and unpleasant death.
-But when I take him...
-If you return a baby bird
to the nest,
it has the stink of man,
and the mother
tosses it straight out.
(MUTTERS)
I'm not going to abandon him.
Speak up. I can't hear you.
(YELLS)
I think a baby's first scream
is the purest expression
it makes.
It comes from deep within.
No teaching,
just pure instinct.
But then she learns
that screaming gets you things,
like milk and candies.
(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
(METAL CLATTERING)
(WIND HOWLING)
(BELLS JINGLING FAINTLY)
(SHEEP BLEATING)
(VEHICLE APPROACHING)
(VEHICLE DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
MAXIM: Yuri!
(FLOORBOARD CREAKS)
It's time to come home, Yuri.
(CHAIR SCRAPS ON FLOOR)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
Sit.
Have some tea.
Where is she?
I got to her in time.
I have medicine now.
O Lord, O Lord,
thy kingdom holds a cure
for all things.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
I never stopped loving you.
(SLURPS LOUDLY)
(THUDS)
(INHALES, EXHALES DEEPLY)
Before you left, she was
a real little chatterbox.
-(CHUCKLES)
-(DASHA TAPPING HAND)
I'd like to see her.
Yuri?
Why don't you invite your
toy soldiers in for a cup?
MAXIM: We're going home, Yuri!
She left this morning.
What? Are you insane?
Of course, you're insane!
You know very well
that it's not good
for my constitution
to hear your voice
at such a volume.
You're a plague of locusts!
You're a serpent
hiding in the rocks!
You live where
the throne of Satan sits,
and you've been sent up
only to ruin my life!
-You cut off my hand!
-I saved your life!
IVAN: Sir!
I think we found something!
(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
-(MAXIM GRUNTS)
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-Look how you raised her!
Deaf to her own voice!
-(MAXIM GRUNTS)
MAXIM: It's you who left!
It's you who gave up!
And for what?
Those stupid goblins!
(MUFFLED GRUNTING)
Where's my daughter,
you witch?
PETRO: Sir!
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
(GUNS CLICKING)
(SIGHS HEAVILY)
Well...
Well, well, well.
For years, I've searched.
But the answer, my boys,
is right here!
Ha! The caves.
They hide
in the dog-damn dark!
(LAUGHS HEARTILY)
You'll be torn apart.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(WIND HOWLING)
Possum.
(YURI TRILLING)
(TRILLING)
(TRILLING)
(WARBLES SOFTLY)
(YURI'S TRILLING CALL ECHOES)
(TRILLS)
(PANTING)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS)
(BOTH TRILLING SIMULTANEOUSLY)
(PANTING)
(INSECTS CHIRPING)
(FIRE CRACKLING)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS REPLY)
(LOW GUTTURAL MOAN)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS)
(LOW WARBLE)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLING)
(COOS GENTLY)
(CHUCKLES)
(YOUNG OCHI WARBLES)
(GULPING)
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
(TRILLS)
(PLAINTIVE TRILL)
(TRILLS)
(FAINT TINKLING OF GLASS)
(BROOM SWEEPING)
(ENGINE IDLING)
(RESPIRO BY FRANCO SIMONE
PLAYING ON RADIO)
DASHA: If you return a bird
to the nest...
it has the stench of man.
The mother tosses it
straight out.
(RESPIRO CONTINUES
PLAYING ON RADIO)
(LOG SCRAPING)
(YURI GRUNTS)
(LOG CLATTERING)
(PANTING)
(BOYS WHISTLING)
MAXIM: Petro,
let me tell you something.
And I want you
to remember every word
like it was the last drop
of your mother's milk.
Only a fool looks for comfort
in another's heart.
(WHISTLING CONTINUES)
If an oak grows,
leaned on a birch,
and that birch goes to rot,
the oak will fall.
So, grow straight upwards
and sturdy.
Do not lean,
and you will not fall.
And on you, my boy,
I lean well upon.
PETRO: Thank you, sir.
(TRILLING)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLING, WARBLING)
(TRILLS)
(TRILL ECHOES)
(GRUNTS)
They don't like me.
IVAN: There's a way down here!
-PETRO: Ochi!
-(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
(PANICKED TRILLING
OF YOUNG OCHI)
(PANTS)
(STRAINING)
(GRUNTS)
(TRILLS IN DISTRESS)
(GASPS)
(DISTRESSED TRILLING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
MAXIM: Hold on! (ECHOING)
I'm coming for you! (ECHOING)
I read your letter!
PETRO:
Yuri, we're your family!
I listened to Hell Throne!
It's good!
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(WATER SPLASHING)
(GASPS)
Holy shit.
(PANTING)
(WATER SPLASHING)
MAXIM: Boys!
Don't go soft on me!
She left because of you.
MAXIM: What?
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
She wasn't kidnapped.
(PETRO GRUNTING)
-I let her go!
-Shut up!
You made an oath!
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
I won't stand
to put you all in peril.
Chin up, boys.
(BREATH TREMBLING)
Hold the line.
(INSECTS CHITTERING)
(YURI PANTING)
(TROTTING)
(SHRIEKING)
(SOFT TRILL AND GROWL)
MAXIM: Yuri!
Let's go home!
(TRILLING)
(SHRIEKING CONTINUES)
(YURI GRUNTS)
-(YOUNG OCHI WHIMPERS SOFTLY)
-(LOUD THUD)
(MAXIM SCREAMS)
(SCREAMS)
(GROANING)
Use my axe.
Push! Push!
(GRUNTS) I'm pushing!
-Harder!
-I'm trying!
Choke up on it!
YURI: It's too heavy!
(SCREAMS)
Listen to me!
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Oh!
(HISSING)
(TRILLS SOFTLY)
I'm not asking you
to understand.
Just trust me.
I'm sorry what I said
about Grandpa's knife.
I know what it meant to you.
It's not dumb.
I made it all up.
I bought it at a gas station.
I thought it looked cool.
I wanted it to be
something special...
For us.
Dad...
that's so stupid.
(TRILLING SOFTLY)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS SOFTLY)
(GASPS)
(BOTH GRUNTING)
-(STRAINING)
-(MAXIM GROANS)
Can you walk on it?
Stay close by my side.
(PANTING)
MAXIM: Yuri!
Stop!
Wait!
(YURI PANTING)
(TRILLING)
(OCHIS GRUNT SOFTLY)
-(PANTING)
-(TRILLING)
(GRUNTING SOFTLY)
(GRUNTS)
Hold your fire!
(GROWLS)
(INAUDIBLE)
(FLUTE PLAYING)
(GROWLING SOFTLY)
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
DASHA:
When they sing together...
weaving their feelings
through each other...
a kind of miracle happens.
(TRILLING TOGETHER)
(WARBLES)
(YOUNG OCHI TRILLING)
(GRUNTING SOFTLY)
(GROWLS)
(TRILLS)
(SOBBING SOFTLY)
(SIGHS)
(TRILLING)
(WAVES CRASHING)
(BIRDS SQUAWKING)
YURI: I was born
on a small island
in the Black Sea.
Most people here
live right from the land.
It's how
we've always survived.
(BELL TOLLING)
YURI: For a long time,
nothing much changed here.
(BELL CONTINUES TOLLING)
YURI: But things are starting
to feel different.
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
YURI: People say
it's a dangerous place.
There are bears,
and wolves...
and something else...
Something people fear
is much worse.
(PAGES FLIPPING)
YURI: For as long as I know,
we've fought them.
I've never seen one myself.
But I've heard them,
at night...
(WOMAN SHOUTING OUT)
YURI: ...echoing down
from the mountains.
I still don't know
the whole story.
But since I was
four years old...
the one thing
I've known for sure...
is they destroyed my family.
(I SHOULD TAKE MY BANDURA
PLAYING OVER RADIO)
(INCREASES VOLUME)
(SINGING ALONG IN UKRAINIAN)
(RADAR BEEPS)
(RADAR BEEPS)
(RADAR BEEPING FASTER)
(RADAR BEEPING STOPS)
On foot, boys.
Hi, possum.
Are we going to see one?
Put out your hand.
(BOYS CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY)
Papa gave me that
on my first hunt.
It's sharp.
Yeah, it's a killer.
(INSECTS TRILLING)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(TRILLING)
(TRILLING)
(DEVOURING)
(HUFFING HEAVILY)
(TRILLING)
(SOFT TRILLING)
(SHALLOW BREATHING)
(SOFT TRILLING)
(RUSTLING)
(SNIFFING)
(SHRIEKS)
(GRUNTS)
(SOFT TRILLING)
MAXIM:
Stick to the high ground.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(YELLS)
MAXIM: Boris!
(PEOPLE CLAMORING)
(SHRIEKS)
The trees!
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
-(GUNSHOT)
-(GROWLING)
Stay down!
(SCREAMS)
(TRILLS LOUDLY)
PETRO: Let's go!
(TRILLS ECHOING)
(PANTING)
(GROWLS)
(TRILLING)
(CHITTERING LOUDLY)
(GROWLING LOUDLY)
(CHITTERING IN FEAR)
IVAN: Right there!
(GUNSHOT)
(HOWLING)
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
(BELL TOLLS)
(BELL RINGING)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
(HORN BLOWING)
Last night...
was marvelous,
my little chub-chicks.
We saw the devil
dancing in the goblin's eyes!
But did we fell a single one?
No.
No, we did not.
Was there a fair amount
of piss-shit scatter-shots
and gutless dawdling?
Yes. Yes, there was.
Pavel!
This week, your father's
best stud was bit, bled dry.
Oleg!
Your Uncle Belka, won't stay
on the hill with his herd.
Now he sits at home and drinks!
Ivan! Your father
and his timber crew
have fled the camp.
Your mother feeds the dog
on hog-shit.
Gleb!
On your farm,
five geese and three cats
are yet found!
(COOING)
We are cursed
with a wickedness!
Your parents have
offered you to this cause.
They say, "Here!
Make something of my boy!
"Protect us. Save us!"
When Petro here was 14,
just a reedy twig as you are,
he was orphaned
and left in my care.
Now look at him!
You may think me
nasty and grim.
But remember, my dears,
I know your pain.
The Ochi took my wife.
And for that, I have no son
to call my own.
But if you give your
little hearts to this cause,
as true as I live,
you are all my sons.
(TRY PORADY BY LINA PROKHOROVA
PLAYING DISTANTLY OVER RADIO)
(MUSIC CONTINUES LOUDLY)
(CUTLERY CLINKING)
(RADIO ANNOUNCER SPEAKING
IN UKRAINIAN)
...The Long and Lonely Night.
(THE LONG AND LONELY NIGHT BY
ILYA LUBINSKY PLAYS ON RADIO)
You hear that?
(MAXIM SINGING)
In morning's quiet fire
My love has held it's heat
For a long and lonely night
Amazing.
(WHISTLING TUNE)
You act like it's a torture.
Like a turtle
with its head in the shell.
It's stupid.
(PETRO COUGHING)
That was our song.
Your mom and me.
In school, we learned
there's a kind of bird,
it's called a Pine Warbler.
It's weird, because, basically,
the dad sits on the eggs
instead of mom.
But when it turns
a bigger age,
it leaves the nest,
and the mom teaches it
how to fly and get bugs.
I think it's cool.
I wish you could see her, Yuri.
I do.
-You said I...
-How many times
do I have to tell you?
She left us.
I'm gonna see her.
(SLAMS TABLE)
She doesn't want you.
(THE LONG AND LONELY NIGHCONTINUES PLAYING OVER RADIO)
Have you checked the traps?
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR SLAMS)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(SHRIEKING IN DISTANCE)
(SHRIEKING IN DISTANCE)
(YOUNG OCHI WHIMPERING)
(HISSING)
(PANTING)
(CONTINUES HISSING)
(YOUNG OCHI SCREAMING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(PANTING)
I won't hurt you.
(INSECTS TRILLING)
(PADLON VAGYOK BY OMEN
PLAYING ON STEREO)
(PETRO AND GLEB GRUNTING)
(MUSIC CONTINUES DISTANTLY)
(WOMAN ON TV
SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
(RUSTLING)
(COOS SOFTLY)
(SNIFFING)
(GROANS)
(WHISPERS) It's okay.
(GROANS)
(YOUNG OCHI GROANING)
(HISSING)
-(SNARLS)
-(SNARLS)
(BOTH SNARLING)
(WHISPERS)
I'm not gonna hurt you.
(GROWLS, CHIRPS)
The whistle,
the call of death.
(YOUNG OCHI WHIMPERS)
There.
(SIGHS) Better.
(GROANS SOFTLY)
(CHIRPING)
No. Not for eating.
(CHIRPS)
-No!
-(CHIRPS)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLING)
(COOS)
(COOS)
(CHIRPS)
You're not like they say.
(DISTANT GUNSHOTS)
(SHRIEKS)
(GUNSHOTS)
(PADLON VAGYOK
CONTINUES ON STEREO)
(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPING)
You hear that?
-I need my sleeping bag!
-(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPING)
(TRILLS)
(CREAKING)
(GRUNTS)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Yuri, what is this?
I'll be fine on my own.
You won't make it
in the woods.
Don't be a drama queen.
Look, you can talk to me.
You're only nice
if no one's looking.
I'm taking him home.
Please feed my caterpillars.
(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPS)
(WIND BLOWING)
(SARA BY FRANCO SIMONE
PLAYING OVER CAR TAPE)
(MUSIC STOPS)
-(SHEEP BLEATING)
-(BELLS TINKLING)
(OCHIS CHIRPING DISTANTLY)
(CHIRPING ECHOES)
(CHIRPING CONTINUES)
(WAILING)
(EXHALES)
(PIGS SNORTING)
Where is she?
When did you last see her?
Uh, at dinner,
last night, with you.
(OBJECT CLINKS)
(PAPER RUSTLES)
"I want you to have it back
because it is dumb.
"P.S. I am strong and cool.
"I don't believe
what you say about anything.
"And don't look for me, okay?
Thanks, bye."
Oh, God. (SIGHS)
(FROZEN SHUT BY HISSING
PLAYS LOUDLY)
(DOOR OPENS)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
She's been kidnapped!
Strap it in, assbags!
Let's go!
(DUCKS QUACKING)
MAXIM: A father's
greatest treasure
is his daughter!
OLEG: Under the bridge!
-PAVEL: Where?
-OLEG: Over there.
(WHISPERING) Are you hungry?
(YOUNG OCHI TRILLS)
That sounded like a yes.
(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPS)
Promise to be quiet.
(THE MERMAID BY RUSSYA
PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS)
(MIMICKING MAXIM) We have
strong bones and teeth.
Minced meat stew
seven days a week.
(YOUNG OCHI CHIRPS SOFTLY)
YURI: Dad never let me
come here.
(THE MERMAID
CONTINUES PLAYING)
We only drink from the sheep.
(CHIRPS)
(EGG SHELL CRACKLES)
(SCREAMS)
(SCREECHES)
(SCREAMS)
(ALL SCREAMING, CLAMORING)
Excuse me, miss.
(YOUNG OCHI SNARLING)
YURI: Be quiet. Be quiet.
(MUFFLED SNARLING)
(YURI SCREAMS)
(SCREAMING CONTINUES)
Animals!
(SCREECHING)
(GUN FIRES)
(YURI GRUNTS)
(YOUNG OCHI SCREECHING)
(PANTING)
(ODLAZAK BY PARAF PLAYS)
-Hey! Hey!
-This isn't...
(MAN SPEAKING UKRAINIAN)
Not moving! It's not moving!
-(MAN SPEAKING UKRAINIAN)
(SNARLS)
(SPEAKING IN UKRAINIAN)
I command you to move!
(MAN SHOUTING IN RUSSIAN)
(SHOUTING CONTINUES RUSSIAN)
(BIALA CHORAGIEWKA BY 1984
PLAYS ON CAR TAPE)
(WHIMPERS)
(ENGINE ACCELERATING)
(CHITTERS)
It's not your fault.
We don't belong here.
(RATTLING)
PREACHER ON RADIO: And thou
shalt know that I am the Lord.
For the Lord
had comforted His people.
Shall the prey be taken
from the mighty...
(JOINING IN)
But thus saith the Lord.
Even the captives of
the mighty shall be taken...
PREACHER:
...and the prey of the terrible
shall be delivered.
For I will contend with him
that contendeth with thee...
Oh!
PREACHER: ...and I will
save thy children.
POLICEMAN: Whoa.
Hey, Dina! Check it out!
PREACHER: And they shall be
drunken with their own blood,
as with sweet wine,
and all flesh shall know
that I, the...
(HORSE NEIGHS)
(BELLS TINKLING)
(INSECTS TRILLING)
(WARBLES SOFTLY)
I don't think it's working.
(GENTLE WARBLING)
(TRILLING)
(SNIFFS)
Gross.
(SNIFFS)
(TRILLING)
(GENTLE THROBBING)
(SNIFFS)
(TRILLING)
(MIMICKING TRILLING SOUND)
I never made that sound.
(TRILLING)
I didn't know I could.
(TRILLING)
(TRILLING)
(SNIFFING)
(TRILLS)
(MIMICKING SOUND)
(TRILLING)
(MIMICKING SOUND)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS)
(WARBLING TRILL SOUND)
I can talk to you!
I can talk to you!
I can talk to you!
I can talk to you!
-(SCREAMS)
-(HEAVY THUD)
(HISSES)
(HISSES)
(EXHALES)
MAXIM: Yuri!
(ECHOING IN DISTANCE) Yuri!
(TRILLS SOFTLY)
(WARBLES PLAINTIVELY)
(PLAINTIVE WARBLE)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(WIND WHISTLING)
(PANTING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
Mom.
(SHEEP BLEATING)
-(BAT SQUEALING)
-(BONE SNAPS)
Where is he?
As you may know,
there's such a thing
as a Carpathian brown bat,
common in these highlands.
Can drain a sheep dry.
But this bat,
it has a taste for any
warm-blooded creature
it can find.
Ochi, too.
Oh, yes,
it's very fond of Ochi.
But the Ochi bites it back.
So, after some
thousands of years,
this bat...
has developed a resistance,
an immunity.
Its blood is the only cure
for you.
This may cause
a strong sensation.
(BREATHLESSLY)
I don't want it.
-Nonsense.
-The bite gives me power.
I can talk to him.
You really are my daughter.
In the beginning, you were
just a little grub on my back.
I gave you words.
Things to say.
It's not the bite.
I taught it to you.
(PLAYS NOTES SIMILAR
TO OCHI TRILLS)
Why did you leave me?
(CIGARETTE LIGHTER CLICKS)
(EXHALES)
He kept me from you.
In Carpathia,
the laws catch flies
and let the hornets go free.
(DASHA EXHALES)
So, I've been waiting.
How does a pea weevil,
hatched inside a pea,
know to climb out when
it's never seen the world?
How does an Arctic tern...
know to follow
the same small patch of sky
for three months
and 12,000 miles,
only to land on
the other side of the world
on the same small rock
every year?
It's an inborn melody.
(SCREAMS)
(SCREAM ECHOES)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(SHEEP BLEATING IN DISTANCE)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO)
(BATS SQUEAKING)
(SHEEP BLEATING IN DISTANCE)
(MOURNFUL MUSIC PLAYING
ON FLUTE DISTANTLY)
(EXHALES SOFTLY)
(FLUTE MUSIC
CONTINUES PLAYING LOUDLY)
YURI: I know this.
Dad said it was your song.
This song comes
from the trees, Yuri.
Ochi song.
Their language is unlike ours.
It's more musical,
more emotional.
Yes. They have simple calls.
Names for things.
(PLAYS SHORT TRILL)
(PLAYS TWO MORE SHORT TRILLS)
This much you know.
I taught you this.
But this is just the surface.
Ochi communicate not in words,
but in sensations.
Joy, excitement, pain, fear.
When they sing together,
weaving their feelings
through each other,
a kind of miracle happens.
It's really quite beautiful.
I want that.
Yes, of course.
But, uh, it's not for us.
Ochi sing only to each other
within family groups.
So, it's simply not possible.
But he's my friend.
We can't be friends with them.
They can't be our pets.
We have turned the wolf
into a lapdog.
(EXHALES SOFTLY)
What is that?
Is that his home?
That's where I'm taking him.
(COUGHS, SPLUTTERS)
My dear, that would lead to
certain and unpleasant death.
-But when I take him...
-If you return a baby bird
to the nest,
it has the stink of man,
and the mother
tosses it straight out.
(MUTTERS)
I'm not going to abandon him.
Speak up. I can't hear you.
(YELLS)
I think a baby's first scream
is the purest expression
it makes.
It comes from deep within.
No teaching,
just pure instinct.
But then she learns
that screaming gets you things,
like milk and candies.
(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
(METAL CLATTERING)
(WIND HOWLING)
(BELLS JINGLING FAINTLY)
(SHEEP BLEATING)
(VEHICLE APPROACHING)
(VEHICLE DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)
MAXIM: Yuri!
(FLOORBOARD CREAKS)
It's time to come home, Yuri.
(CHAIR SCRAPS ON FLOOR)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(DOOR CREAKING)
Sit.
Have some tea.
Where is she?
I got to her in time.
I have medicine now.
O Lord, O Lord,
thy kingdom holds a cure
for all things.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
I never stopped loving you.
(SLURPS LOUDLY)
(THUDS)
(INHALES, EXHALES DEEPLY)
Before you left, she was
a real little chatterbox.
-(CHUCKLES)
-(DASHA TAPPING HAND)
I'd like to see her.
Yuri?
Why don't you invite your
toy soldiers in for a cup?
MAXIM: We're going home, Yuri!
She left this morning.
What? Are you insane?
Of course, you're insane!
You know very well
that it's not good
for my constitution
to hear your voice
at such a volume.
You're a plague of locusts!
You're a serpent
hiding in the rocks!
You live where
the throne of Satan sits,
and you've been sent up
only to ruin my life!
-You cut off my hand!
-I saved your life!
IVAN: Sir!
I think we found something!
(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
-(MAXIM GRUNTS)
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-Look how you raised her!
Deaf to her own voice!
-(MAXIM GRUNTS)
MAXIM: It's you who left!
It's you who gave up!
And for what?
Those stupid goblins!
(MUFFLED GRUNTING)
Where's my daughter,
you witch?
PETRO: Sir!
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
(GUNS CLICKING)
(SIGHS HEAVILY)
Well...
Well, well, well.
For years, I've searched.
But the answer, my boys,
is right here!
Ha! The caves.
They hide
in the dog-damn dark!
(LAUGHS HEARTILY)
You'll be torn apart.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(WIND HOWLING)
Possum.
(YURI TRILLING)
(TRILLING)
(TRILLING)
(WARBLES SOFTLY)
(YURI'S TRILLING CALL ECHOES)
(TRILLS)
(PANTING)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS)
(BOTH TRILLING SIMULTANEOUSLY)
(PANTING)
(INSECTS CHIRPING)
(FIRE CRACKLING)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS REPLY)
(LOW GUTTURAL MOAN)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS)
(LOW WARBLE)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLING)
(COOS GENTLY)
(CHUCKLES)
(YOUNG OCHI WARBLES)
(GULPING)
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
(TRILLS)
(PLAINTIVE TRILL)
(TRILLS)
(FAINT TINKLING OF GLASS)
(BROOM SWEEPING)
(ENGINE IDLING)
(RESPIRO BY FRANCO SIMONE
PLAYING ON RADIO)
DASHA: If you return a bird
to the nest...
it has the stench of man.
The mother tosses it
straight out.
(RESPIRO CONTINUES
PLAYING ON RADIO)
(LOG SCRAPING)
(YURI GRUNTS)
(LOG CLATTERING)
(PANTING)
(BOYS WHISTLING)
MAXIM: Petro,
let me tell you something.
And I want you
to remember every word
like it was the last drop
of your mother's milk.
Only a fool looks for comfort
in another's heart.
(WHISTLING CONTINUES)
If an oak grows,
leaned on a birch,
and that birch goes to rot,
the oak will fall.
So, grow straight upwards
and sturdy.
Do not lean,
and you will not fall.
And on you, my boy,
I lean well upon.
PETRO: Thank you, sir.
(TRILLING)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLING, WARBLING)
(TRILLS)
(TRILL ECHOES)
(GRUNTS)
They don't like me.
IVAN: There's a way down here!
-PETRO: Ochi!
-(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
(PANICKED TRILLING
OF YOUNG OCHI)
(PANTS)
(STRAINING)
(GRUNTS)
(TRILLS IN DISTRESS)
(GASPS)
(DISTRESSED TRILLING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
MAXIM: Hold on! (ECHOING)
I'm coming for you! (ECHOING)
I read your letter!
PETRO:
Yuri, we're your family!
I listened to Hell Throne!
It's good!
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(WATER SPLASHING)
(GASPS)
Holy shit.
(PANTING)
(WATER SPLASHING)
MAXIM: Boys!
Don't go soft on me!
She left because of you.
MAXIM: What?
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
She wasn't kidnapped.
(PETRO GRUNTING)
-I let her go!
-Shut up!
You made an oath!
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
I won't stand
to put you all in peril.
Chin up, boys.
(BREATH TREMBLING)
Hold the line.
(INSECTS CHITTERING)
(YURI PANTING)
(TROTTING)
(SHRIEKING)
(SOFT TRILL AND GROWL)
MAXIM: Yuri!
Let's go home!
(TRILLING)
(SHRIEKING CONTINUES)
(YURI GRUNTS)
-(YOUNG OCHI WHIMPERS SOFTLY)
-(LOUD THUD)
(MAXIM SCREAMS)
(SCREAMS)
(GROANING)
Use my axe.
Push! Push!
(GRUNTS) I'm pushing!
-Harder!
-I'm trying!
Choke up on it!
YURI: It's too heavy!
(SCREAMS)
Listen to me!
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Oh!
(HISSING)
(TRILLS SOFTLY)
I'm not asking you
to understand.
Just trust me.
I'm sorry what I said
about Grandpa's knife.
I know what it meant to you.
It's not dumb.
I made it all up.
I bought it at a gas station.
I thought it looked cool.
I wanted it to be
something special...
For us.
Dad...
that's so stupid.
(TRILLING SOFTLY)
(TRILLS)
(TRILLS SOFTLY)
(GASPS)
(BOTH GRUNTING)
-(STRAINING)
-(MAXIM GROANS)
Can you walk on it?
Stay close by my side.
(PANTING)
MAXIM: Yuri!
Stop!
Wait!
(YURI PANTING)
(TRILLING)
(OCHIS GRUNT SOFTLY)
-(PANTING)
-(TRILLING)
(GRUNTING SOFTLY)
(GRUNTS)
Hold your fire!
(GROWLS)
(INAUDIBLE)
(FLUTE PLAYING)
(GROWLING SOFTLY)
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
DASHA:
When they sing together...
weaving their feelings
through each other...
a kind of miracle happens.
(TRILLING TOGETHER)
(WARBLES)
(YOUNG OCHI TRILLING)
(GRUNTING SOFTLY)
(GROWLS)
(TRILLS)
(SOBBING SOFTLY)
(SIGHS)
(TRILLING)