HYPER CONSUMPTION AND THE NONHUMANS IN OKJA AND NEVER LET ME GO FILMS

Siriyakorn Atirek, Nanthanoot Udomlamun
Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses the concept of hyper-consumption and neoliberal capitalism as well as their effects on the nonhumans in two dystopian films, Okja and Never Let Me Go. These films depict hyper-consumption of the nonhumans which are genetically modified pigs and human clones which are subject to the neoliberal capitalist and humanist values. The paper draws upon Zygmunt Bauman’s critique of neoliberal capitalism for a discussion of characteristics of hyper-consumption and refers to Cary Wolfe’s conceptualization of posthumanism in an analysis of hyper-consumption caused by homocentrism and its effects on the nonhumans. The paper reveals how neoliberal capitalism creates hyper-consumption which leads to mass production and consequently nonhuman exploitation as portrayed in the films. The nonhumans become voiceless victims of capitalism and homocentrism that helps intensify the exploitation. They are objectified as commodities and physically and mentally suppressed to serve humans’ desires for profits and consumption.

KEYWORDS

Okja, Never Let Me Go, hyper-consumption, nonhuman, neoliberal capitalism