Mickey 17 is a science fiction dark comedy set in a universe that is years ahead, yet eerily similar to the current state of our world. The movie is directed by Bong Joon Ho, a South Korean filmmaker best known for Parasite, a dark thriller that was the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
Set in 2054, the movie follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), a hapless and not so bright guy who flees earth in order to get away from his debts. Mickey signs up to work as an “expendable” on a space-colonizing mission spearheaded by failed politician turned maniacal cult leader, Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo). Kenneth and his equally-maniacal wife Ylfa (Toni Collette)’s goal is to establish a colony with a “pure” human race on the ice planet Niflheim, and they are supported by a crazed fan base who fawn over Kenneth’s every word and wear red hats to show their faithfulness to him…seems familiar.
As an expendable, Mickey is subjected to dangerous missions and virus testing in order to collect data about sustaining a human population on Niflheim, and each mission usually results in his death, after which the scientists reprint an exact copy of his body so they can make him do more trials. The issue arises when Mickey goes out on his 17th death-promising mission but manages to survive, and while he is walking around the icy-blizzardy landscape searching for a way back to the spaceship, the scientists assume his death and reprint his body creating Mickey 18, unraveling a disastrous series of events involving the two Mickeys.
Although filmed three years ago, the movie’s oppressive tyrannical government is shockingly relevant to today. At certain times the portrayal was disconcertingly similar to modern times, with the brainwashed red hat wearers, president/cult leader babbling incoherently while dancing on live television, and government vulnerability to religious exploitation. Although Ruffalo’s character was clearly based on Trump with the bad tan, bouffant-y toupee, and strained, rambling cadence, Bong has denied any claims that the character is a parody of the current president.
Even as someone who does not particularly like science fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Pattinson’s acting felt genuine and unlike any of his other performances. He did a great job of portraying the starkly different personalities between the two Mickeys. All of the characters were attention grabbing and had layers of depth that unraveled in surprising ways as the movie went on. Not only that, but the soundtrack was fitting, composed primarily of original, instrumental, melodic pieces.
If you enjoy satirical science fiction, are interested in space colonization, or are only acquainted with Pattinson’s acting from the Twilight series, then I highly recommend to get thee to a theater and watch Mickey 17.
