Mickey 17
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Bong Joon-ho was on top of the world in 2019 with the release of Parasite. The film catapulted the Korean director into the cinematic stratosphere and set the bar high for his next project. He managed to lay low through pandemics, strikes and the rollercoaster ride the movie industry has endured over the past few years. This allows him to return to his science-fiction and comedy roots by adapting Edward Ashton’s satirical look at capitalism and immortality in Mickey7.
Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) has lived a hard and fateful life on Earth that has left him looking for an escape off the planet. As he ponders the upcoming journey to the new human colony on Nilfheim, he decides to make the leap to join the excursion as an "expendable" or simply, a disposable clone worker. A role that gets him moved to the front of the line to head off planet, but it does mean that he must undergo life-threatening experiences for the sake of the colony. Each number after his name shows his constant sacrifice for humanity until Mickey 17 unknowingly survives one excursion. This situation leads to the creation of Mickey 18. It is a significant problem for both clones since the colony rules state that multiples are an abomination and must be destroyed. If the pair can survive, they must determine how their existence will impact life on the new planet.
As this dystopian glimpse into an Eden-like voyage comes to life on screen, there is no mistaking Bong Joon-ho’s political, religious and philosophical views of the events occurring worldwide. This is not too dissimilar to the political statement on Snowpiercer that skewered the social and political elite with the hopes of balancing the scales of justice along the way. A morally murky world where humanity has been treated as a commodity, and the residents of this hopeless world hold too few ethical limits on violence, sex or morality. As Joon-ho had final editing rights on the film, the film drags towards the end and struggles to know how to stick to the landing. Suppose there is an element that this snowy existence has over the eternal train; the inclusion of a comedic element gives this less-than-subtle political statement a hilarious spin that will have the audience giggling uncomfortably until the twisted conclusion.
Robert Pattinson manages to do the herculean task of carrying these multiple characters and the whole production through his narrative approach to the bizarre comedy. As he develops into the most unlikely of heroes, The Batman actor embodies this less-than-reputable character with a depth that subtly begins to understand the significance of his role. Naomi Ackie (Blink Twice) takes on the tough and inquisitive love interest of security agent, Nasha Barridge, with the vibrato needed to balance out her seemingly weaker lover. Mark Ruffalo (Dark Waters) and Toni Collette (Juror #2) as the egomaniacal couple, Kenneth and Ylfa Marshall, who oversee the self-centred and tyrannical future of Nilfheim, take on their roles with farcical abandon. Yet, their roles almost feel like they are brought in from another film at times as their characters become more cartoonish as the story unfolds. Yet, the film's true star has to be Darius Khondji's cinematography, which establishes a world that will make the viewer believe they are travelling to this new world.
Mickey 17 is the set-up of a dark dystopian sci-fi comedy that evolves into an overly long political satire and philosophical journey that tries to say more about the world than merely entertain the audience. Bong Joon-ho is a masterful storyteller, and Robert Pattinson is one of this generation’s greatest actors. The content is unapologetically confronting, comedically mature, and exceptionally biting at times. Yet, there are more profound queries about the mortality and sanctity of life messages are worth considering from all who snicker at the political digs throughout this ride to new worlds.
REEL DIALOGUE: What is it like to die?
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 (No, Shakepeare didn’t create this line)
At the heart of the dark comedy is the consideration of death. As the lead character continually dies for the sake of the community, Mickey Barnes is constantly asked about his experiences. His fellow travellers inquisitively yearn to learn from his cyclical life-and-death existence. The issue with Mickey 17 is that the topic provides only more questions rather than answers.
Death can be an exceptionally fascinating topic that tends to be discussed in the shadows rather than in the open and needs to be handled respectfully. Still, it might surprise people that this topic can provide discussions of hope and assurance, especially when Jesus is incorporated into the discussion because his story proves that death does not have to be something to fear.
Through the work of Jesus, His followers can have assurance of where they will spend eternity and it can provide hope for their future. He is the conqueror of death and gives an answer to the inevitable question, 'What happens after we die?' It is a better answer than Mickey or other religions or philosophers can offer.
John 11:25 - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live
John 14:1-3 - “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. If you would like to discuss the themes of this film, contact us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.
