Bong Joon-Ho is back with another thought-provoking film, Mickey 17, a science fiction dark comedy that delves deep into themes of morality, identity, and survival. While the movie is visually stunning and bolstered by a stellar cast, it leans more into slow-burn storytelling rather than action-packed sci-fi spectacle. If you're familiar with Bong Joon-Ho’s works like Snowpiercer, Parasite, and Okja, you'll recognize his signature storytelling style—layered, socially relevant, and not necessarily mainstream-friendly. Mickey 17 continues this trend, offering an intriguing narrative but demanding patience from its audience.
Storyline Overview
The film follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an "Expendable" on a space expedition to colonize the icy planet Nilfheim. Tasked with dangerous missions because he can be "reprinted" upon death, Mickey eventually finds himself in a crisis when his replacement, Mickey 18, appears while he's still alive—an illegal situation under colony rules. As tensions rise between the Mickeys, colony leader Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo), and the planet's native creatures, creepers, the story shifts from survivalist sci-fi to a deeper commentary on human exploitation, power struggles, and coexistence.
Character Highlights
The cast is one of the film’s strongest points. Robert Pattinson delivers a compelling dual performance as Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, subtly differentiating the two versions of himself. Naomi Ackie brings depth to Nasha, Mickey’s love interest and a security officer who becomes crucial in bridging the gap between humans and the creepers. Toni Collette, as always, is a scene-stealer, bringing a mix of authority and unpredictability to her role. At one point, she even gives us a moment reminiscent of her infamous scream from Hereditary—a hilarious nod that had me chuckling. Mark Ruffalo as the colony leader is fascinating, though I couldn’t help but notice that his speech patterns seemed like a subtle (or not-so-subtle) shade at a certain former U.S. president.
Villain Analysis
Kenneth Marshall, played by Mark Ruffalo, embodies the film’s central antagonist—not in a mustache-twirling way, but as a bureaucratic figure who prioritizes control over ethical considerations. His leadership reflects many real-world power structures, and his willingness to sacrifice both human and alien lives for colony dominance makes him a compelling yet frustrating villain. Mickey 18 also serves as a sort of secondary antagonist, driven by survival instincts and personal rivalry with Mickey 17, adding another layer of tension.
Emotional & Thematic Depth
The film isn’t just about sci-fi survival—it’s a reflection on human greed, expendability, and ethical dilemmas. The Mickeys’ struggle symbolizes the exploitation of the working class, mirroring real-world labor issues. The interactions with the creepers highlight themes of colonialism and communication with the unknown. The social commentary is strong, but it does require the audience to be fully engaged to appreciate the nuances.
Final Thoughts
Mickey 17 is a solid film, but it may not be for everyone. While the themes and performances are excellent, the slow pacing can be a challenge. Some scenes feel unnecessarily drawn out, and if you’re not a fan of slow-burn narratives, you might find yourself struggling to stay engaged. However, the second half of the movie ramps up the tension and delivers an intense payoff.
Visually, the film is stunning, and the performances are top-tier. The humor is subtle but effective, especially in moments of dark irony. However, it doesn’t quite reach the brilliance of Parasite. If you enjoy deep social commentary and thought-provoking narratives, this movie is definitely worth a watch. But if you prefer straightforward sci-fi action, this might not be your cup of tea.
Rating: 8/10
Comments