A Sharp Anti-Capitalist Satire Wrapped in Sci-Fi Drama
Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 is a thought-provoking blend of satire, science fiction, and existential inquiry, proving once again that the director is a master at weaving social critique into engaging storytelling. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, the film follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an “expendable”—a human clone sent on a deep-space colonization mission, tasked with performing deadly assignments only to be replaced by another iteration upon death.
At its core, Mickey 17 is an anti-capitalist satire, much like Bong’s previous works (Parasite, Snowpiercer). The concept of an endlessly replaceable worker highlights the dehumanization inherent in corporate and industrial structures. Mickey is quite literally disposable, a resource to be used up and replaced. The film cleverly critiques how capitalist systems exploit laborers, reducing individuals to mere cogs in a relentless machine. His predicament raises uncomfortable questions about the commodification of life and the illusion of personal agency within oppressive structures.
Beyond its critique of capitalism, Mickey 17 seamlessly intertwines multiple complex themes—modern political landscapes, human greed, and scientific ethics. The ethical dilemma of cloning, the philosophical weight of encountering extraterrestrial life, and even religious undertones add depth to the narrative. The film questions what it truly means to be human and whether a copy of a person retains their essence. In a world where science blurs the lines of identity and mortality, Mickey 17 challenges viewers to contemplate their own existence.
Tonally, the film exists in a fascinating gray space between comedy and tragedy. Bong balances dark humor with existential dread, making Mickey’s suffering as absurd as it is heart-wrenching. The film often plays with irony—Mickey’s repeated deaths become a source of both macabre humor and deep despair. This tonal duality makes for an unpredictable, compelling experience.
Robert Pattinson delivers one of his best performances to date, perfectly capturing Mickey’s exhaustion, defiance, and reluctant resilience. His ability to shift between sardonic wit and emotional vulnerability makes the character deeply relatable. Bong’s direction is sharp, blending stunning visuals with a tightly controlled narrative that draws viewers into Mickey’s claustrophobic and morally ambiguous world.
While the story remains engaging throughout, it does drag slightly toward the end. The film’s pacing stumbles as it wrestles with its weighty themes, making the final act feel somewhat bloated. Nevertheless, Mickey 17 remains a bold, thought-provoking film that cements Bong Joon-ho’s reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to challenge audiences.
A Must Watch
