Bong Joon Ho, the director behind Parasite, returns with Mickey 17, a sci-fi dystopian adventure that is as thought-provoking as it is darkly hilarious. Starring Robert Pattinson as the titular character, the film explores themes of exploitation, identity, and the absurdity of human ambition, all wrapped in a story that is equal parts absurd and deeply moving.
Set in the year 2054, Mickey 17 paints a future that feels eerily close to our present. The world is a place where capitalism has reached its most grotesque extremes, and humanity’s survival hinges on the exploitation of the vulnerable. Enter Mickey, a hapless everyman played with soulful vulnerability by Pattinson. Desperate and in debt, Mickey signs up for a space expedition to escape his troubles, only to find himself in a role that requires him to die—repeatedly.
As the ship’s “Expendable,” Mickey is tasked with testing viruses, enduring brutal trials, and facing deadly threats, all while knowing that his death is just a prelude to being “reprinted” in a new, externally identical body. The catch? Each iteration of Mickey retains the memories of his previous lives, creating a haunting sense of continuity amidst the chaos. By the time we meet Mickey 17, he’s already died 16 times, and the toll is starting to show.
The film’s tone is a masterclass in balancing humor and heartbreak. Bong Joon Ho’s signature blend of sharp satire and visceral emotion is on full display here. One moment, you’re laughing at Mickey’s deadpan reactions to his absurd predicament; the next, you’re struck by the profound melancholy of his existence. Pattinson’s performance is key to this delicate balance.
The supporting cast is equally stellar. Steven Yeun plays Timo, Mickey’s feckless friend who seems more curious about the experience of death than concerned for Mickey’s well-being. Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo deliver scene-stealing performances as Ylfa and Kenneth Marshall, the power-hungry leaders of the expedition. Collette’s Ylfa is a slinky, menacing presence, while Ruffalo’s Marshall is a larger-than-life caricature of authoritarianism, complete with a Mussolini-esque swagger.
Amidst the chaos, there’s a tender subplot involving Mickey’s romance with Nasha, a security agent played by Naomi Ackie. Their relationship adds warmth and humanity to the story, serving as a counterpoint to the film’s more grotesque elements. Nasha’s unwavering loyalty to Mickey highlights the film’s underlying message about the importance of decency and connection in a world that often feels devoid of both.
Mickey 17 is a biting critique of systems that devalue human life. Mickey’s plight—being treated as disposable despite his humanity—mirrors the struggles of countless individuals in our own world. Bong doesn’t shy away from these heavy themes, but he delivers them with a lightness of touch that keeps the film from feeling overly grim.
Scifiers explores science fiction narratives that enliven our imagination and compel us to think about the “what-ifs” of creative world-building. It is on a mission to discuss ideas about sci-fi in its various forms that keep the genre in a state of continuous expansion.
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