Netflix’s movie game is strong in 2017 with already a host new original movies releasing so far. OKJA is the next seemingly big budget title that drafts in some great talent for a movie that has great potential. It’s releasing in the summer so let’s take a first look into OKJA.
Below, we’ll take a look at who’s behind the movie, what it’s about, a few reasons you should definitely be adding it to your least and most importantly getting a first video look and the Netflix global release date.
What is OKJA about?
This won’t be the director of the movie’s (Bong Joon-Ho) first creature movie but it’s the polar opposite of his previous movie covering a similar subject matter. It tells the story of a young girl whose creature, named Okja, is kidnapped by a multi-national corporation who is using the animal to exploit it as a potential food source, among other reasons. It’ll see Mija come up against many global issues and although it’s pitted at a comedy-drama, expect it to be much lighter on comedy than say an Adam Sandler movie.
Tilda Winton and Giancarlo Esposito
It’ll see Mija come up against many global issues and although it’s pitted at a comedy-drama, expect it to be much lighter on comedy than say an Adam Sandler movie. Playing the role of the ‘villains’ are Tilda Swinton and Giancarlo Esposito who act as the heads of the shady corporation.
Who’s behind the movie?
Bong Joon-Ho Behind the Camera
South Korean-born director Bong Joon-Ho is behind the movie. He’s a legendary director who’s had his hand in mainly two genres, sci-fi and horror. Most recently, he released Snowpiercer which is a widely received movie by both fans and critics. He’s also had hits with 2006’s The Host and 2003’s Memories of Murder.
OKJA Cast
If the above hasn’t sold you on the movie then hopefully its cast will. The main protagonist is played by Ahn Seo-hyun as Mija. Well-known casted members from the West include Tilda Swinton as Lucy and Nancy Mirando, Jake Gyllenhaal as Dr. Johnny Wilcox, Paul Dano as Jay, Steven Yeun as K, Lily Collins as Red and Giancarlo Esposito as Frank Dawson.
Teaser Trailer
Just shy of a minute, the teaser trailer gives an idea of the type of spectacle to expect throughout. Scenes where Tilda Swanton is visible reminds me of the capital in the movie franchise Hunger Games. Beyond that, there’s plenty of mystery and of course, the promotion of the director behind the movie.
OKJA Release Date
Although it’s not skipping a theatrical release, it’ll be debuting for most people exclusively on Netflix streaming globally on June 28th, 2017. There’ll be a select few theatres which will be playing the movie although the complete list has yet to be announced. For Netflix DVD, customers you may have to wait until it’s available to rent.
Everything else you need to know
- The director expressed his concern with the movie not releasing in cinemas but said to Empire Magazine that Netflix’s 90 million (now more than 100) viewers is a good enough audience.
- The creature in the film is a mix of a hippo, a pig and a manatee and is shy and introverted.
- The budget of the film is estimated to be $50 million with 100% creative control. That’s $10 million more than his previous film.
- Jan Heui-cheol who was the SFX artist for The Host will be returning to contribute to OKJA
We hope that gives you a good idea of what to expect when OKJA drops on Netflix on June 28th!
