Okja Review

Okja, the newest Netflix original movie, was the subject of controversy during its screening at the Cannes Film Festival, when Netflix was booed during the showing. Not for the movie itself, but because many felt that movie streaming is killing the theater-going experience. I'm not one to say whether or not this is true, but I will say that the movie itself is worth your time.

It comes from South Korean director Bong Joon-Ho, who brought us Snowpiercer and The Host. Now, he has made a satirical science fiction movie, which co-stars Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, and Jake Gyllenhall. But the main character is a little girl in South Korea, who has befriended a genetically modified giant pig. When the pig is collected by the company that created her for food purposes, the girl must save him.

From this summary, it is easy to believe that this will be a family film, but that may be up for debate. While there are far worse movies you could show your children, there is still a moderate amount of f-bombs, and the last act gets pretty disturbing, leading up to a bittersweet ending.

The movie juggles whimsical, lighthearted moments of the girl's friendship with the titular creature, with more serious moments. It has a strong message on the ethics of the meat industry, including topics such as GMOs and treatment of animals. It wears these morals on its sleeve, without being preachy.

The creature often feels like a real character. Like the best CGI characters, she looks realistic, but there is also an essence to her movements and expressions that makes her seem almost human.

In conclusion, Okja is a sweet, sad, yet charming tale of friendship for an older crowd. Its message on the controversial topic of the meat industry may put some people off, but for others, it is an interesting, thought-provoking sci-fi satire.

4 out of 5 stars