Film Review: Mickey 17

What has been a highly anticipated film since Parasite in 2020, director Bong Joon-ho brings us Mickey 17. Following his Oscar win for Parasite, everyone (but mainly myself) has been on the edge of their seats waiting to see what Bong Joon-ho would release next and this sci-fi dark comedy does not disappoint. 

Adapted from the 2022 novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes, played by Robert Pattinson, who volunteers to become an ‘expendable’ employee. In this role, he effectively becomes a disposable crew member sent on a dangerous human expedition to colonise the ice world Niflheim. Using Earth-banned technology, when one expendable dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. But with one regeneration, though, things go very wrong… 

Bong Joon-ho has a knack for empathic storytelling twinned with a visionary directorial style of blending genres. If you’re like me and have seen his previous films like Memories of Murder, Snowpiercer, Mother and even Okja – then you’ll know Bong is skilful in taking what seems like a simple idea and flipping it completely on its head. He toys with one genre but this eventually evolves into something entirely unexpected and that’s what makes him an outstanding filmmaker. 

So as our protagonist carries out his duties as an expendable, effectively serving as a human shield you can’t help but ask why he didn’t just read the paperwork. “Need to test a deadly virus? Get Mickey. Is it safe to walk the icy Niflheim? Send Mickey. Is that a deadly dose of radiation? Where’s Mickey?” With each death and regeneration, we begin to see different sides of him, even more so when we’re presented with two expendables, Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 and this is where the real fun (and chaos) begins.

Amid the chaos of having two Mickeys running around, along with the voyage to colonise a new planet, is an unconventional love story, which adds a lighter note to the film. On their way to Niflheim, Nasha played by (Naomi Ackie) falls in love with Mickey, and then stays by his side with each regeneration and both clinging to each other as if nothing else matters. 

While Mickey 17 has an over two-hour run-time with some heavy dialogue in parts and flashbacks we could go without, its star-studded cast keeps the momentum going so the film barely falters. Firstly seeing the versatility of Robert Pattinson playing multiple Mickeys is such a sight to see. He adopts goofball mannerisms with elevated eccentricities. He’s annoying but lovable and going from playing the masked vigilante (Batman) to this, it’s new territory that delivers on every level. 

The film cast also includes three Oscar nominees: Toni Collette (Hereditary), Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things) and Steven Yeun (Nope) who are excellent in their roles. Collette and Ruffalo play a twisted power couple – complementing each other’s major faults, especially their shoot first, ask questions later mentality, which you can’t help but chuckle at in some scenes. Yet, it’s Ruffalo's egomaniacal performance that caught my attention in particular. As the expedition's leader, politician Kenneth Marshall, subtly (or not so) showed great reflection on the current political climate and leadership of the world we live in right now – highlighting how Bong is not afraid to speak loudly and showcase difficult subject matters, which we have also seen in his prior films. 

Mickey 17 strikes a masterful balance of comedy and tragedy leaving you pondering whether you should have found the scene humorous or heart-breaking. The visuals are spectacular with the juxtaposition of drab tones of the spaceship and its workers to the colourful hues presented in the expedition leaders' quarters and clothing.

Among the many themes and characters explored throughout this film, what’s really at the forefront is whether human beings can colonise a new planet without doing more harm than good – but I guess you’ll have to see. 

Mickey 17 is showing at Broadway Cinema and The Savoy.