A science fiction dystopian dark comedy, director Bong Joon Ho brings to life Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel “Mickey 7” in his film adaptation, “Mickey 17.” The film stars Robert Pattinson in the title role, alongside Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo.
Ho, best known for his film “Parasite,” which won best picture in 2020, is no stranger to genre-bending storytelling. Combining elements of black comedy, social commentary and suspense, “Mickey 17” continues this trend while adding a distinct science-fiction twist.
The storyline is predictable, feeling very similar to themes seen in sci-fi classics like “Star Trek,” “Battlestar Galactica” and “Doctor Who.” Each revolves around teaching moral lessons while proving that humans are inherently destructive and have much to learn from the environments around them, even those that are alien. The film’s plot is no different, following the fall of earthly society and the scramble to be part of the ship headed straight for the ice planet Niflheim. Where the dictator-esc former president, played by Ruffalo, decides he is captaining this voyage to start his own planet with all his loyal followers.
Pattinson stars as Mickey Barns, a man who takes the unusual job of an “Expendable” to escape a loan shark on Earth. Pattinson really impressed me (Hayley) with his diverse acting in the role, as he portrays 18 different versions of Mickey, really giving the audience an in-depth look into how emotionally complex one human can be. This film adds a touch of psychological element to the list of already stacked genres that Ho carefully curated in the design of this film. We’ve seen Pattinson’s incredible range before as he’s played a wide variety of characters in other films like, “Batman,” “Good Times,” “Twilight,” “The Devil All the Time” and even in an animation “The Boy and the Heron” where he voices a bird. However, seeing him play a multitude of different versions of one character was an incredible reminder of his acting abilities.
Francine here, I totally agree with Hayley on Pattinson’s performance and will add that the rest of the cast was just as fantastic! Ackie, playing Mickey’s long-term girlfriend Nasha, really balanced out his more vulnerable, timid side and provided such a supportive partner to him– adding an element of romance to the film without creating any unnecessary drama. Yuen, Ruffalo and Collette’s more antagonistic characters successfully made me hate them, really highlighting the political and moral tension at the heart of the story.
Another thing I really appreciated was the film’s subversion of the traditional space exploration tropes that Hayley mentioned earlier. While many sci-fi movies lean into the “end all, save humanity” narrative, “Mickey 17” went a different route. The humor and satire were a breath of fresh air, especially in a genre that often takes itself so seriously. The aliens, while initially presented as a threat, ended up being a more nuanced and surprisingly sensible presence. They weren’t the typical vicious aliens, but rather creatures that just wanted peace and coexistence. This twist not only kept the audience on its toes but also emphasized the film’s broader message about the importance of understanding and diplomacy, even with the unknown.
All in all, “Mickey 17” is a journey to space you do not want to miss in theaters. The plot kept us engaged, the symbolism kept us connected and the comedy provided a nice lighthearted touch amidst the chaos. For a movie about a man who keeps coming back from the dead, it’s no surprise that “Mickey 17” earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars– it’s a film that’s worth revisiting, over and over again!
