South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, renowned for his Oscar-winning film Parasite, returns with Mickey 17, a dystopian science fiction comedy featuring Robert Pattinson and Naomi Ackie. The film explores themes of mortality, identity, and class struggle within a futuristic setting.
A Futuristic Tale of Mortality and Identity
Set in the year 2058, Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, an “Expendable” worker on a colonization mission to the icy planet Niflheim. Tasked with dangerous assignments, Mickey’s consciousness is transferred to a new body each time he dies, retaining all previous memories. This continuous cycle raises profound questions about the nature of existence and individuality. According to The Atlantic, the film is “a wacky, strange, and fun romp, reflecting Bong’s unique filmmaking style that combines comedy with macabre elements.”
Beyond its sci-fi setting, Mickey 17 delves into existential questions, drawing comparisons to films like Edge of Tomorrow and Duncan Jones’ Moon. The repetition of life and death becomes a metaphor for the monotony of labor and societal roles, a theme Bong has explored in past films like Snowpiercer and Parasite.
Bong Joon-ho’s Distinctive Storytelling
Bong Joon-ho masterfully weaves his signature themes into the narrative, including social stratification, environmental preservation, and the absurdity of quests for purity. The film’s budget of nearly $120 million is evident in its impressive visual effects and production design. As noted by The Verge, Mickey 17 is “a dark comedy film about Mickey Barnes… and his journey to survive and find purpose.”
Bong’s direction keeps the film from falling into pure nihilism, balancing the weighty themes with humor and absurdity. His ability to infuse comedy into tragic situations allows Mickey 17 to maintain a unique tonal balance that keeps audiences engaged. The exaggerated bureaucracy of the colony, for example, becomes an allegory for corporate inefficiency and the expendability of workers.
Robert Pattinson’s Dual Performance
Robert Pattinson delivers a compelling performance, portraying both Mickey 17 and his subsequent iteration, Mickey 18. The subtle differences in their personalities showcase Pattinson’s range and add depth to the film’s exploration of identity. Roger Ebert highlights this, stating, “While Mickey 17 is a good-natured people pleaser, Mickey 18 is arrogant and aggressive. The idea that there would be deviations in their personalities is a clever one, and it gives Pattinson room to play with his voice, delivery, and demeanor.”
Pattinson’s portrayal captures the desperation and loneliness of a man who knows he will always be replaced. His chemistry with Naomi Ackie’s character, Nasha, helps ground the story in an emotional core, providing moments of genuine warmth amidst the existential chaos.
Naomi Ackie’s Portrayal of Nasha
Naomi Ackie plays Nasha, Mickey’s partner and a security officer on the mission. Her character brings warmth and complexity to the story, embodying themes of love and resilience. In an interview with Essence, Ackie discusses her role, stating, “What she loves most about her character, Nasha, is her ability to see a human being as a human being.”
Nasha’s presence in the story offers a counterbalance to Mickey’s existential crisis. She serves as an anchor, reminding him that despite his repeated deaths, his experiences and relationships matter. Her character is not merely a love interest but a vital piece of the film’s philosophical puzzle, embodying a theme of unconditional acceptance.
Critical Reception
Mickey 17 has garnered a mix of reviews, with some critics praising its originality and performances, while others point out narrative inconsistencies. Baltimore Magazine notes, “Not that Mickey 17 is bad. Bong doesn’t do bad movies. But it’s definitely overstuffed.”
Other critics have compared the film to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in its exploration of memory and identity. While some feel the narrative becomes convoluted in the third act, most agree that Bong’s visual storytelling and thought-provoking themes make Mickey 17 a standout in modern sci-fi.
Bong Joon-ho, Robert Pattinson, and Naomi Ackie Deliver a Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Mickey 17 offers a unique blend of dark humor, philosophical inquiry, and visual spectacle. Bong Joon-ho’s distinctive storytelling, combined with strong performances from Robert Pattinson and Naomi Ackie, makes it a noteworthy addition to the sci-fi genre. As audiences delve into this dystopian world, they are invited to reflect on deeper questions about existence, identity, and the human condition.
The film’s satirical take on labor, technology, and corporate greed ensures its relevance in today’s world. Whether viewers see it as a metaphor for late-stage capitalism or an allegory for personal reinvention, Mickey 17 refuses to provide easy answers, instead leaving audiences with questions that linger long after the credits roll.
