Mickey 17 is the latest ambitious offering pouring out of the brain of the much heralded Bong-Joon Ho, who has given the gifts of Parasite and Snowpiercer among many others to the cinematic community. The film follows Robert Pattinson (Good Time, Batman) as Mickey, a noodly burnout who has become entangled in some debts to a dangerous crowd along with his best friend Timo, played by Steven Yeun (Minari, Beef).
Mickey decides to take his chances in space instead, joining a journey with the horrifying job of an "Expendable." This job title makes him the front line of every dangerous task or query, as he can be reprinted as a clone after death, retaining all of his memories. The journey is headed by grifter politician Kenneth Marshall, played by Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things, Dark Waters) and his equally abrasive wife Ylfa, played by Toni Collette (Hereditary, I Tonya).
As Mickey takes on job after job on the new planet Niflheim, dying over and over again, he meets and develops a relationship with others on the ship and accidentally creates two versions of himself, Mickey 17 and 18, a cardinal sin in the cloning world. This sends him and his new companions on a quest trying to find both himself and a way out of the mess he's in.
Joon-ho is known for his ability to effortlessly blend styles and genres, creating something that feels completely new. While Mickey 17 is at its core, a sci-fi adventure, it folds in comedy, romance, bits of horror and thriller, and action like they are ingredients in a tried and true recipe. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat exploring real societal issues that are constantly emerging such as the concept of identity, survival, and the idea of cloning and using people as a means to an end. Joon-ho's recognizable mark is the presence of a strong and foundational social commentary that permeates the entire film, its not just futuristic goofy mess-arounds, it actually has something profound to say.
One of the largest takeways from this film is the concept of identity. Mickey 17 is meek and is a victim, while 18 is much more confident and empowered even though they are the same printed person. There has been plenty of insight into this concept in newer shows like Severence, this idea of split identities.
Some people are one person in particular arenas, perhaps at work versus home, and another in others. Some people need to tap into another part of their identity in disaster or emergency situations just to survive. I think Bong played on all of this, forcing his character to face himself, answer to himself, forgive himself for things he was angry at himself for. Something that many of us wish we could do is look ourselves in the eye and tell ourselves things weren't our fault or we are stronger than we think we are and we get these humanizing and impactful moments throughout this film.
Pattinson is doing some of his best work here. We have seen many actors and actresses portray twins or doubles but Pattinson creates two distinct characters, easily identifiable by voice and look. He makes them feel tangible and worn and relatable in this unfamiliar sci-fi scape that feels anything but. Some may find Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette to be a little too much in this film and while I can see the principle of what they are saying, Joon-ho intentionally seemed to dramatize these roles in an effort to shine some light on the ridiculousness of their intentions and plans. Both turned in dramatic and hard-hitting performances, as well as some of the supporting cast, Steven Yeun and Naomi Ackie.
The acting pushed this film forward, creating real feelings for these characters. The film also looked incredible with planetscapes, spaceships, creatures in varying biomes and epic sprawling shots all accomplished masterfully by cinematographer Darius Khondji. The creation of the creatures and the way they were both adorable and horrifying was absolutely paramount in the feel of the film.
Ultimately, there was a lot packed into Mickey 17. It covered up to 7 or 8 genres, had a sprawling list of characters and commented on societal issues ranging from colonization to identity to environmental protection. I find Mickey 17 to be a metaphor for our current landscape in many ways, chaotic, dramatic and in many ways dehumanizing.
I heard and felt what Joon-ho had to say here and while it may have been a bit drawn out, I was always engaged, excited and anticipating what twist and turn he was going to throw out next. I think original concepts with genuine purpose and heart should have a much bigger place in the wide world of cinema and as long as Joon-ho keeps swinging for the fences, I will be in the stands every time. Find time to go see Mickey 17 on a big screen, make a copy of yourself if you have to, you won't regret seeing this original and profound piece from one of the greatest working directors of our time.