Bong Joon-Ho, the mastermind behind ‘Parasite’, ‘Snowpiercer’, and ‘Okja’, returns with ‘Mickey 17’, an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey 7. Set around 2054, the film follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), who, after a failed business venture, signs up for a one-way mission to colonize the distant planet Nilfheim. While Mickey’s friend Timo (Steven Yeun) becomes a pilot, Mickey volunteers as an “expendable,” a human tasked with dangerous and lethal assignments—knowing he will be cloned each time he dies.
The cloning process is central to the plot, with Mickey’s memories being transferred to a new clone every time he dies. However, when Mickey 17 is presumed dead after a fall on Nilfheim, he returns to find Mickey 18 inhabiting his bed. The film explores the moral and existential consequences of cloning as the two Mickeys struggle to survive against the authoritarian Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and his manipulative wife, Ylfa (Toni Collette).
Visually, ‘Mickey 17’ is a feast for the eyes. Cinematographer Darius Khondji layers meaning into every frame, creating a stark contrast between the cold, metallic interiors of the ship and the barren landscape outside. This visual storytelling is complemented by the film’s exploration of class division, reminiscent of ‘Snowpiercer’, where the wealthy live in luxury while the expendables suffer. The narrative falters slightly in the second act with unnecessary subplots, like a disjointed love quartet, but the core themes remain powerful.
The film also explores themes of ecological exploitation, drawing parallels to Okja, as Marshall’s disregard for the environment mirrors the destructive nature of corporate greed. The creepers, intelligent creatures native to Nilfheim, symbolize the untapped potential of nature that humans fail to understand or respect.
Bong’s dark absurdity shines through, particularly in scenes where Mickey is reprinted, often without basic care, leaving his body to flop out like an uncooked sausage. Pattinson’s performance as Mickey is truly exceptional, capturing the internal shifts between his clones with subtle vocal and physical differences. Naomi Ackie is also a standout as Asha Barridge, Mickey’s only genuine connection on the ship, and Steven Yeun is deliciously grimy as Timo, Mickey’s untrustworthy friend. Mickey 17 is a poignant meditation on life, death, and the choices that define us, offering a thought-provoking look at the fragility of existence.
By the end, it’s clear that Bong Joon-Ho has created a cinematic experience that is both intellectually stimulating and visually stunning.
Letter Grade: B+