Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes, a man who is repeatedly sacrificed during colonization missions on the planet Niflheim. Each time Mickey dies, an identical copy of him is created, carrying over his memories. At its core, the film explores themes of cloning, identity, and existence. Unfortunately, Bong Joon-ho never fully delves into these complex themes, instead skimming over them and never truly probing their depth.
The narrative oscillates between grotesque and surreal elements, with a visual aesthetic that nods to classic science fiction. The influence of Bong’s earlier work, Snowpiercer, is clear, though with a shift in tone. While Snowpiercer depicted a brutal, violent world, Mickey 17 adopts a softer, sometimes optimistic approach. However, the film's cynicism, though present, never reaches the intense heights seen in Bong’s previous works, which leaves it feeling less impactful.
As with his other films, Bong weaves broader, contemporary issues into the science fiction fabric of Mickey 17. The film critiques capitalism, climate crises, and economic inequality, presenting a direct and immediate social satire. Political power dynamics, social polarization, and global indifference are explored, with particular attention to the United States. Subplots, such as the trade of macarons, appear to reflect economic challenges faced by countries like South Korea and Taiwan, but the analysis remains surface-level and lacks the depth that might have elevated the film’s themes.
Despite addressing a range of significant issues, Mickey 17 never goes beyond a superficial exploration. Complex concepts like cloning and collective consciousness are introduced, yet they are sidelined before they can be fully explored. This results in a narrative that plays it safe, touching on topics without engaging deeply or taking risks.
The film's cast is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. Robert Pattinson delivers a performance brimming with irony and humor as Mickey, capturing an energy reminiscent of characters like Philip J. Fry from Futurama. Mark Ruffalo brings lively energy to his role as Commander Kenneth Marshall, while Toni Collette and Naomi Ackie add depth to the supporting roles. Steven Yeun also brings charisma to his role as Mickey’s former partner.
However, despite the top-tier performances, the film suffers from inconsistent pacing. Unlike Parasite, where each scene seamlessly contributed to the overarching narrative, Mickey 17 suffers from stagnation, with moments that slow the story’s flow. The presence of unnecessary subtitles and explanations further bogs down the narrative. The voiceover, rather than enhancing the story, merely reduces the philosophical reflections to simple anecdotes, preventing the imagery from speaking for itself.
Mickey 17 is undoubtedly an ambitious project, but it never fully realizes its potential. While Parasite masterfully blended its narrative elements into a cohesive and powerful vision, here, the social critique feels blunt and lacking in nuance. Bong Joon-ho’s attempt to combine satire and science fiction never fully takes off, leaving the audience with the sense that a deeper exploration of these themes could have led to something truly groundbreaking.
Visually compelling, with moments of brilliance and a talented cast, Mickey 17 ultimately fails to leave the lasting impression expected from such a high-profile director. The chosen tone – too grotesque to be a traditional sci-fi drama, yet not sharp enough to be a true satire – fails to strike the right balance between expectations and the final outcome.
One of the most compelling aspects of Mickey 17 is its social critique, seamlessly integrated into its sci-fi narrative. Bong Joon-ho uses the film’s futuristic setting to critique the pressing social issues of today, examining exploitation, colonialism, consumerism, and the loss of individuality.
Replaceability and Exploitation: At the core of Mickey 17 is the concept of replaceability. Cloned individuals, including Mickey, are repeatedly sacrificed during dangerous missions on Niflheim. Each time Mickey dies, a new copy is created to replace him, and his previous experiences are carried over. This depiction of expendability mirrors the way modern society often treats human beings as disposable, particularly within the context of capitalism.
The cloning process highlights the dehumanizing aspects of capitalist systems, where workers are seen as replaceable units, stripped of individuality. Just as corporations often treat employees as mere resources to be used and discarded, Mickey 17 illustrates how human lives are often reduced to commodities, subordinated to the efficiency of systems and the pursuit of profit.
Colonialism and Social Inequality: Mickey 17 takes place on Niflheim, a colonized planet where the colonizers exploit both the planet’s resources and its indigenous population. This mirrors the long history of colonialism on Earth, reflecting the exploitation of native peoples and natural resources by capitalist powers.
The film critiques space colonialism as the latest form of imperialism, where colonizers continue the practices of extraction and marginalization. This theme resonates in the modern context of global inequality, as powerful nations continue to dominate less-developed countries, perpetuating cycles of exploitation.
Critique of Consumerism and Unchecked Technology: Another poignant critique in Mickey 17 is its portrayal of technology. Cloning, which is often seen as a tool for progress, is depicted as a means of exploitation. The process of replacing and sacrificing individuals raises questions about the commodification of human life.
Beyond cloning, the film questions broader consumerist ideologies and urges viewers to consider how technology can be used for manipulation rather than progress. This serves as a reminder that unchecked technological advancements can be exploited for profit, deepening existing inequalities.
Identity and Individuality: Perhaps the most existential question posed by Mickey 17 is the exploration of identity and individuality. As Mickey dies and is replaced by his clones, the film raises profound questions about what makes a person unique. If memories and experiences can be replicated, does an individual still retain their identity?
This theme critiques the reduction of human beings to numbers or productive units within a capitalist framework. In a society where human worth is often measured by productivity, Mickey 17 challenges the notion that people can be reduced to mere functions within a system that dehumanizes them.
A Critical Reflection on Modern Society: Mickey 17 is a thought-provoking film that goes beyond typical science fiction fare. By incorporating social critique into its narrative, Bong Joon-ho uses the story of Mickey’s repeated deaths and replacements to explore themes of exploitation, colonialism, consumerism, and the loss of individuality.
While the film’s setting in a futuristic, colonized world provides a vehicle for discussing these themes, its critique of contemporary society is unmistakable. Mickey 17 serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to reflect on how today’s systems of capitalism and technology may shape the world of tomorrow. Through its exploration of cloning and the dehumanization of individuals, the film challenges us to reconsider the value we place on human life, identity, and the unchecked progress of technology.
In summary, Mickey 17 is a film that presents itself with great ambition and solid visual aesthetics but struggles to find a cohesive narrative balance. Despite its many intriguing themes and the director’s talent, the film falls short in its superficial treatment of more complex issues. The promise of a deep reflection on the future of humanity and its social dilemmas remains largely unfulfilled, leaving a sense of disappointment at what could have been a masterpiece.
The cast of Mickey 17 is one of the film's most praised elements, with actors who skillfully balance irony and drama, enriching the story with memorable performances.
