Okja

On a hillside in rural South Korea, a hopeful girl named Mija raises and guards a remarkable creature called Okja, a towering, gentle animal grown by a multinational company as a public relations marvel. When the Mirando Corporation announces a global competition to showcase its lab grown beasts, Okja is singled out for fame and a risky future. But the company’s persuasive promises hide a darker plan, and a team arrives to take Okja away. Mija refuses to let her friend go, setting out to confront power, launch a rescue, and test the limits of loyalty, courage, and hope. Her pursuit pulls in a diverse mix of supporters, turning a private rescue into a broader clash.

Directed by Bong Joon Ho, Okja stems from a collaboration with writer Jon Ronson and moves from rural Korea to European cities. It centers on An Seo-hyun as Mija with Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal in roles and an ensemble.

The film drew attention at major festivals and earned nominations for several honors, reflecting its blend of science fiction, satire, and human drama. Critics noted Bong Joon Ho's bold direction and the work's social critique as its strongest elements. Its festival run showcased Bong Joon Ho's versatility.

Culture and dialogue around Okja extended beyond the screen. The movie sparked conversations about animal welfare and corporate responsibility, highlighted by Swinton's dual Mirando personas and the film's critique of glossy marketing. Fans debated Netflix's role in distributing ambitious cinema.

Reception treated the film as a nimble blend of adventure and social critique. Viewers connected with Mija's steadfast bond with Okja while the movie examined the costs of consumer culture, the ethics of animal farming, and the reach of multinational power. Audiences on social media echoed the film's ethical questions.