Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes, who must repeatedly die for his job in a corporate-driven world. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, known for Parasite, the film stars Robert Pattinson in dual roles, showcasing his versatility. Blending science fiction with political satire, it critiques workplace culture and societal issues. With its release coinciding with current events, Mickey 17 serves as a poignant reflection of contemporary society, offering both thrilling entertainment and deep commentary.
Overview of the Film
In a world where sacrifice is a job requirement, Mickey Barnes finds himself in a unique predicament—he must die repeatedly to make a living. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a story that grapples with the boundaries of life and death, as Mickey navigates a corporate reality that demands his ultimate sacrifice.
Bong Joon-ho’s Cinematic Brilliance
Reflecting on the past, we recall the seismic impact Bong Joon-ho made at the 2020 Oscars with his masterpiece, Parasite, which clinched the prestigious titles of Best Film and Best Director, overshadowing frontrunners like 1917 and Sam Mendes. This pivotal moment underscored South Korea’s burgeoning prominence in the global film industry. Following this monumental success, expectations soared for Bong’s next project.
In January 2022, excitement surged when it was revealed that Robert Pattinson would star in Bong’s eighth film, an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s science fiction novel, ‘Mickey7’. This narrative follows a ‘disposable’ man who embarks on perilous missions on a frosty planet slated for colonization, where his consciousness is transferred into a new body after each death.
The film, titled Mickey 17, promises a thrilling exploration of mortality, as Bong playfully noted during CinemaCon that he would increase the character’s demise tenfold for cinematic impact. Initially slated for a January 2025 release, the film’s debut was rescheduled multiple times, ultimately landing on March 5, just ahead of its showcase at the Berlin Festival. After nearly six years since Parasite, anticipation has reached a fever pitch, and it’s clear that the wait has been worthwhile.
Dual Role of Robert Pattinson
Mickey 17 chronicles the journey of a man who faces death repeatedly, leading to speculation about whether other cast members like Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo, or Toni Collette would play earlier iterations of Mickey before Pattinson’s character takes center stage. Unlike typical narratives that dwell on repetition, this film cleverly condenses Mickey’s past deaths into a few captivating moments, honing in on his struggle for survival alongside his successor, who emerges while everyone believes he has perished.
For fans of Robert Pattinson, Mickey 17 is a treat, featuring his dual portrayal of the character. With distinct personalities for each version—naïve and simple for Mickey 17, and darker, more ruthless for Mickey 18—Pattinson showcases his remarkable versatility. Bong Joon-ho elaborated on this duality, comparing Pattinson’s performances to his previous roles in Good Time and The Lighthouse, each aligning with the different facets of Mickey.
As Anamaria Vartolomei, Pattinson’s co-star, noted, he utilized a double for the scenes featuring both characters, showcasing a seamless transition between Mickey 17 and Mickey 18. Vartolomei praised Pattinson’s incredible range and dedication, highlighting his ability to adapt his voice and mannerisms to fit each character.
A Reflection of Society
Mickey 17 offers a vibrant performance reminiscent of Tilda Swinton in Okja, sharing thematic similarities with Bong Joon-ho’s previous works. While some might expect a continuation of the tone from Parasite, Bong opts for a blend reminiscent of his Netflix production, pairing elements of science fiction with political satire, akin to Snowpiercer and The Host. Bong emphasized that merging these genres creates a playful yet poignant commentary on contemporary society.
With its sharp critique on workplace well-being, environmental degradation, and the political landscape—embodied by Mark Ruffalo’s character echoing figures like Donald Trump—Mickey 17 resonates with current issues. Bong humorously reflected on how the script, written in 2021 and filmed in 2022, coincidentally aligned with real-world events, including the political turmoil surrounding Trump.
As Steven Yeun, who reunites with Bong, aptly put it, the film serves as a “distorting mirror” of our reality, released at a time when its themes are more relevant than ever. Mickey 17 stands not just as a sci-fi spectacle but as a profound reflection on our world today.