Revered Korean filmmaker, Bong Joon Ho, known for his unique, socio-political thrillers like Parasite and Snowpiercer, delivers yet another satirical masterpiece in Mickey 17. This latest sci-fi offering skewers authoritarianism and attempts at genocide through a dystopian narrative of colonization.
Mark Ruffalo stars as the narcissistic leader Kenneth Marshall, envisioning “a pure, white planet full of superior people like us." In a world where right-wing ideologies seem to be on the rise, Mickey 17 lands amid heightened relevance with its politics-infused satire.
Building on Edward Ashton's 2022 novel, the movie's plot is laden with chaos, a characteristic feature of Bong's work. Robert Pattinson's captivating performance, playing a dual role, keeps the audience gripped to the story despite its heavy-handed satire. References to current American politics and indications of Trump-esque personalities make for an all-too-familiar twist in the tale.
Pattinson plays Mickey Barnes, who, lured into a disastrous deal and faces immense pressure from a sinister loan shark. To escape, Mickey and his accomplice, Timo, sign up for a space expedition, stepping into the roles of ‘expendables’ entrusted with life-threatening missions for a planned colony, operated by Marshall and his wife Yifa (played by Toni Collette).
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Throughout the film, Mickey's body is reprinted and memories reinstalled every time he meets his end, resulting in numerous iterations of his character. There's an unexpected and dramatic turn when Mickey's 17th self connects with the planet’s indigenous species, revealing a unique plot twist.
The film masterfully blends elements of drama and suspense with satire and humor, although some critics argue that the plot might feel cluttered with superfluous diversions at times. Despite the story's dark theme and complex narrative, the movie's underlying charm keeps viewers hooked, albeit some may find the political jest lacking edge.
Ensemble performances from Ruffalo and Collette elevate the theatrical value of the narrative while other supporting actors like Naomi Ackie and Anamaria Vartolomei give strong performances in their respective roles.
Boasting a captivating blend of distinct characters, daring plot, and vocal commentary on socio-political issues, Bong’s Mickey 17 might confuse some about its core intended message and target audience. However, it underscores the ethical questions that arise from human replication and misuse of potential technology, serving as a reflective mirror for our society today.