Netflix is mostly known for beaming movies straight into your living room, but they do theatrical releases too on occasion, though you likely didn’t see “Beasts Of No Nation” (for example) at a theater near you. But one movie we definitely want to see on the big screen is Bong Joon-Ho‘s “Okja,” and it looks like there will be a chance.
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The streaming service will release the film day-and-date in select theaters in the U.S. and South Korea. The film, which premieres on Netflix on June 28th, follows a young girl who tries to save her best friend threatened from being taken away by an evil, power-hungry multinational corporation.
The film also features a multilingual cast with South Korean actress An Seo Hyun in the leading role, and Hollywood A-list stars such as Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaa, Lily Collins and Steven Yeun as part of the expansive ensemble.
Next Entertainment World will be releasing the film in cinemas South Korea, but no word yet on who Netflix will partner with in the U.S., or how expansive the rollout will be, but hopefully we’ll find out soon. And keep an eye on Cannes, as “Okja” might pop up and premiere there first. [Variety]
After shooting themselves in the foot with ‘Beast of No Nation’- including choking the chances of a Best Supporting Actor nod for Idris Elba- you’d think Netflix would’ve learned something about day and date theatrical releases. Smaller independent cinemas- ie. the only ones who will play a film like this- won’t pay the film rent and dedicate screen time to a film that subscribers can watch for free upon opening.
Netflix sucks at theatrical releases. Amazon is much better.