On March 7, Mickey 17 premiered in theatres. Starring Robert Pattinson, this dystopian storyline transports the audience to a future where science has discovered a way to resurrect humans through 3D printing.
Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-Ho returned to showcase his directing expertise after winning Best Director for Parasite at the 91st Academy Awards.
With high-calibre actors like Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo and Steven Yeun, Joon-Ho created a sci-fi story with tints of Marxism and a man who can’t die (kind of).
Without giving too much away, Mickey 17 tells the story of an unlucky, disposable employee who performs the most dangerous tasks in an interplanetary colonization journey.
Each time he dies, a new body is reprinted with all of his memories up until his death, allowing him to continue working for the fleet.
In a close-to-dying scenario, the seventeenth Mickey is considered dead and the eighteenth Mickey is printed. This sparks a deep human rights dilemma that sets the characters on a journey of self-discovery, life appreciation and fighting for human decency.
In contrast to a cold and social film like Parasite, Mickey 17 feels like a lighthearted satire, making the audience question the dignity of life and social classes.
On a storytelling level, I enjoyed how the movie takes the time to explore Mickey’s character and his 18 versions. The first half explores the rules of the dystopian society the characters live in and the landscape of their lives.
Joon Ho builds this story with a twisted biological-philosophical factor and wraps it up in a dynamic pace which will leave you intrigued for more.
However, Pattinson’s brilliant performance steals the spotlight this time.
From playing a pale 117-year-old teenager in Twilight to portraying complex characters like Thomas Howard in The Lighthouse, Bruce Wayne in The Batman and now Mickey Barnes.
Pattinson displays his incredible range of acting from the shy and insecure Mickey 17, to the aggressive and neurotic Mickey 18.
Although you are very aware that this is a sci-fi satire, you completely buy the different versions of Mickey, recognizing each one without explicitly saying and connecting with each version.
Mark Ruffalo also interprets this failed politician-turned-captain, in a superficial satire of a clown politician. With mannerisms and a clear sense of populism, his character simply resembles U.S. President Donald Trump.
Although portraying a hateful character, Ruffalo’s charisma wins the audience and acts as a brilliant catalyst in the story.
Steven Yeun is pretty good, but I couldn’t stop hearing Mark from Invincible. Where is Season 4, William?
Even though the movie is set in the distant future, it is very relatable.
The film explores how capitalism exploits working classes, systemizing lives for the sake of production performance indicators at the expense of personal fulfillment.
Although I wouldn’t say this is on the same level as Parasite in 2019, it is the first banger of the year and a must-watch in cinemas.
Mickey 17 is a dynamic movie, full of interesting stories, incredible interpretations and weird ideas.
Not absolute cinema, Dr. Scorsese, but a solid movie.
