Okja is a strange beast of a movie, and it knows it. The 2017 film from Bong Joon-ho, best known for Parasite, is a children’s story wrapped in a horror film wrapped in a political satire wrapped in a love letter to pigs. It is also one of the most visually stunning films of its year, and it earns its place alongside the other great sci-fi comedies of the decade. This is a film about a girl named Mija and her giant pig, Okja, and the corporation that wants to steal Okja from her. It is also a film about the global meat industry, and it does not pull its punches.
Trailer, via Netflix.
Mija and Okja
The film opens with Mija, a young girl living in the mountains of South Korea, feeding her friend Okja, a super-sized pig. Their bond is the emotional core of the movie, and Tae-yoon Park’s performance as Mija is remarkable. She carries the film through its most absurd moments with a quiet intensity that anchors the whole enterprise.
Okja herself is a marvel. The creature effects are top-notch, and the animatronic work is so detailed that it is almost impossible to tell where the real pig ends and the puppet begins. The film spends a lot of time simply letting us watch Okja interact with Mija, and these scenes are the film’s greatest strength. They are funny, tender, and genuinely moving.
The Corporation
The film’s villain is the Mirando Corporation, headed by the charmingly sinister Mr. Preston, played by Tilda Swinton. She plays the role twice, once as the CEO and once as her twin sister, who runs the company’s PR department. The film uses this doubling to explore the corporate world’s ability to present a friendly face while committing atrocities behind closed doors.
The satire is pointed, and it targets the global meat industry directly. The film’s argument is simple: the animals we eat are individuals, and the way we treat them is cruel. It is a heavy-handed message, but the film’s commitment to it is unwavering.
The Satirical Edge
The film’s comedy is broad, and it often borders on the grotesque. There are sequences involving feces, violence, and absurdity that some viewers will find off-putting. But the humor is essential to the film’s effectiveness. Without it, the message would be preachy. With it, the film becomes a relentless satire that refuses to let its target rest.
The film’s action set pieces are also worth noting. The climax, which involves Okja being chased through New York City, is a masterclass in practical effects and stunt work. The film never relies on CGI to do the heavy lifting, and the result is a sequence that feels both thrilling and grounded.
The Political Message
The film’s political message is clear: the global meat industry is cruel, exploitative, and unsustainable. It is a message that has been made before, but Bong’s execution is sharp enough to make it feel fresh. The film’s refusal to soften its message is admirable, even when it risks losing some viewers along the way.
The film’s final act is a bit messy, and the resolution feels rushed. But the film’s willingness to push past its own boundaries is ultimately what makes it work. It is a film that trusts its audience to follow it down the rabbit hole, and it rewards that trust with a finale that is both emotionally satisfying and intellectually provocative.
The Verdict
Okja is a flawed masterpiece. Its ambition is enormous, and it often reaches beyond its grasp. But when it lands, it lands hard. The film is a technical triumph, a moral statement, and a genuine piece of entertainment. It is not for everyone, but for those willing to engage with it, it offers a rare combination of intelligence, heart, and spectacle.
| Element | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Mija and Okja | Tender, believable bond | Some viewers may find the humor too grotesque |
| The Corporation | Sharp satire of corporate cruelty | Message can feel heavy-handed |
| Action Sequences | Practical effects, thrilling chase | Resolution feels rushed |
Okja is a film that demands to be seen. It is not perfect, but it is unforgettable. It is a film that will make you think, laugh, and cry, sometimes all within the same scene. It is a bold, ambitious, and occasionally messy work of art, and it deserves its place among the great films of its era.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.
