Mickey 17 is the newest film from Bong Joon Ho, the director of the acclaimed movie Parasite. This film arrived at a fitting time, as its themes evoke a reality that feels closer than ever. If it had come out as originally planned in March 2024, its darkly humorous look at a labor colony under a tyrannical billionaire might have seemed like a warning. Now, it feels more like a reflection of our world.
Based on Edward Ashton’s graphic novel, Mickey7, Mickey 17 is set in 2054 on the icy planet of Niflheim. The story begins with Mickey, played by Robert Pattinson, lying helpless in a cave, facing death. Just as hope seems lost, his companion Timo (Steven Yeun) arrives, only to abandon him with a chilling reassurance: he can always be “printed out” again the next day.
Flashbacks reveal that four years earlier, Mickey and Timo fled Earth after their macaron shop went bankrupt. They found themselves in debt to a dangerous loan shark. They took a risky opportunity off-planet, with Mickey marking a regretful agreement to become an Expendable—someone who can be recreated with the same memories after dying. This new technology allows his body to be easily discarded, feeding into the colony’s greed.
As the only Expendable in Niflheim, Mickey endures harsh conditions, put to work in dangerous tasks. His life is treated as disposable, his body repeatedly being recycled for profit by the cruel colony leader, Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo). In a mix of roles—CEO, celebrity, and tyrant—Marshall and his privileged life stand in stark contrast to the suffering of the workers.
The plot thickens when Mickey 17 escapes and discovers an unexpected twist: he meets Mickey 18, another version of himself who has already been printed. Their coexistence is against the law, leading to conflict. Both Mickeys, though nearly identical, have different personalities—Mickey 17 is anxious and timid, while Mickey 18 is bold and confrontational. Their interaction raises deep questions about identity and human existence, emphasizing how they each rely on and challenge one another.
As the story unfolds, the two Mickeys navigate their bizarre situation. They attempt to pretend to be one person while dealing with external threats, including strange creatures on Niflheim. The movie combines thrilling action with thoughtful commentary, presenting a world similar to the ones seen in star-studded sci-fi films but with a unique twist that explores complex themes.
Mickey 17 offers plenty of humor and creative visuals, though it may not match the tightly woven structure of Parasite. It’s reminiscent of Bong’s earlier work in Snowpiercer, focusing on survival and competition in a chilling landscape. While some storylines, like a romantic subplot, feel rushed, the overall narrative still delivers powerful moments.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Mickey 17 is its biting critique of capitalism. It highlights a world driven by exploitation—planets are mined, their natives eliminated, and human lives are reduced to mere resources. Despite this grim portrayal, the film maintains a core of hope. It reminds us that every life matters, that pain and fear are universal experiences. The closing scenes hint at the possibility of change, suggesting that even the hardest battles can lead to a new life enriched by its fleeting nature.
Check out this related article: Amazon Picks Up ‘Bloodaxe’: A Gripping Norse Drama Series from ‘Vikings’ Creator Michael Hirst
Source linkbong-joon-ho,science-fiction,comedy,movies
