Which Movie Should I Watch Tonight? ‘Okja,’ a Quirky and Enjoyable Film by Bong Joon-ho available on Netflix

Five years have passed since Bong Joon-ho’s film Parasite won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2019. This weekend, the renowned South Korean director is back with Mickey 17, a sci-fi comedy film produced by Warner Bros. Despite some uncertainty from Warner Bros. in releasing the movie due to its unique plot involving a worker who is repeatedly killed and cloned as part of his job in space, the film is set to hit theaters. For those introduced to Bong’s work through Parasite, Mickey 17 may come across as more whimsical and outrageous. While thematically connected, Mickey 17 shares a closer stylistic resemblance with Bong’s earlier work rather than Parasite. Those planning to watch Bong’s latest creation may benefit from first watching Okja, which is available for streaming on Netflix.

Why Watch Okja Tonight?

Bong Joon-ho is known for blending various genres and cultural references in his films. His movie Mother is a prime example, starting as a family drama that transforms into a courtroom thriller before evolving into a neo-noir mystery. Similarly, Mickey 17 follows a time-loop narrative akin to Edge of Tomorrow before taking a unique turn. Okja, on the other hand, draws inspiration from Studio Ghibli, Steven Spielberg, and Charlotte’s Web, depicting the bond between Mija and a genetically modified, oversized pig. The film offers a darker edge than typical kid-friendly movies but remains one of Bong’s more family-oriented works.

Okja stands out as a co-production with Hollywood, a common feature in Bong’s collaborations that often involve well-known actors adding their flair to his distinct stories. While Bong’s films allow actors the freedom to go wild, some may struggle with the level of eccentricity required, as seen in performances by Mark Ruffalo in Mickey 17 and Tilda Swinton in Snowpiercer. Swinton’s dual role in Okja is noteworthy, but Jake Gyllenhaal steals the show with his eccentric portrayal of an unbalanced TV zoologist. Gyllenhaal’s performance is a must-watch for those gearing up to watch Mickey 17, showcasing his ability to embody eccentric characters with gusto.

Still, the heart of the movie is the relationship between Mija and Okja, and, by proxy, the fragile relationship we hold (and often defy) with our animal counterparts. Yet the movie is too eccentric, too freewheeling, to feel especially preachy; Bong isn’t above staging a bravura chase sequence when Miha attempts to intercept a New York-bound Okja in Seoul. The pair do eventually wind up hitting the streets of New York; as with Snowpiercer (though less ostentatiously or bleakly than that globe-crossing supertrain), Bong uses his English-language co-production as an opportunity to cross international borders and take on globalized forms of social ills that particular countries might think of as their own. Okja ultimately points to a bigger world than what corporations should be able to control. Even if Bong doesn’t always land in a hopeful place, his movies don’t succumb to pure hopelessness. And if Okja isn’t his absolute best movie, it may be the best evidence that he believes a better world is possible.

Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) is a writer living in Brooklyn. He’s a regular contributor to The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week, among others. He podcasts at www.sportsalcohol.com, too.

Watch Okja on Neflix