This feature from Warner Bros. opens exclusively in theaters on March 7th.
Science-fiction often offers viewers adventurous and exciting trips to strange and incredible worlds. They can be a lot of fun, but the best use plotlines, characters and fantastic situations to deal with relatable issues. South Korean writer/director Bong Joon-ho, who recently won multiple Oscars with Parasite, has been doing this for some time, with pictures like The Host and science-fiction action film Snowpiercer.
His latest is Mickey 17, an epic dealing with an easily manipulated, down-on-his-luck fellow who finds himself in a bizarre situation. The movie takes on themes like identity and mortality, while also delivering a biting satire of authoritarian leaders. There’s an awful lot going on here and it doesn’t all land, but it is a wild ride with a very likable protagonist and several unique tangents that provide plenty to ponder afterwards.
Mickey (Robert Pattinson) and his scheming pal Timo (Steven Yuen) are broke and in deep trouble with a mobster. The two hear about narcissistic politician Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and his wife Yifa (Toni Collette) leading an expedition to colonize a far-away planet, and see it as an opportunity for escape. Mickey joins the group as an “Expendable,” a worker who frequently sacrifices his life for the mission, only to be copied and put back on the frontlines. After dying horrible deaths in space and on the frozen, less-than-hospitable planet Nilfheim, he does find a companion in security agent Nasha Barridge (Naomi Ackie). However, his condition makes him an outcast to others, who think of him as nothing more than a piece of meat. Things get extra complicated when the 17th iteration of Mickey suffers an injury, is assumed dead, and the newest clone arrives to take over his life. This threatens the lives and futures of both Mickey 17 and 18, as it is illegal to have “multiples”.
The tone here is comic, with early sections of the film elaborating on the process of being cloned and just how carelessly others treat cannon-fodder like Mickey. It does result in some amusingly gruesome deaths, both accidental and intentional, as well as hilarious gags that show the scientists responsible for him barely paying attention as the newest edition comes off of the assembly line. A lot of the dark humor works very well as the resigned Mickey narrates just how awful his existence can be, frequently hoping for another quick and painless end (which rarely goes as smoothly as hoped for).
Star Pattinson’s nebbish mannerisms help keep the lead relatable, the tone light, and make viewers feel sorry for him. But while there are plenty of laughs, there is interesting and unexpected drama. Mickey is constantly pestered by others about what death feels like and almost no one relates to him in a normal manner. Because of his meek personality, he’s frequently used and abused by others, even by the few who are close to him. It creates an interesting dynamic as he begins to feel cheated and wants more out of his life. There are other clever observations to be made when Mickey 18 appears, and it is clear that the two are not identical copies, but actually have different personalities.
The political satire is also effective, with Ruffalo and Collette exaggerating their character’s nastiness for comedic effect. Some of the behavior ventures close to over-the-top territory, but given the current political climate, it doesn’t feel as inflated as it might have years ago. As the story progresses and an alien species enters the plot, the film focuses on the horrible treatment and plight of any lifeform that doesn’t meet the leader’s standards. And, of course, on a technical level the movie is impressive. The snowbound locations and more claustrophobic interior spaceship areas are striking, and the cinematography is first-rate.
As enjoyable as it is, there are some minor problems. The final act, which attempts to wrap up a number of story threads, could have used a bit more trimming. Since it is dealing with so many concepts, including mortality, finding oneself in a meaningless existence, and the consequences of cloning, the script can’t delve too deeply into the issues raised. And the final beat with one of the central characters doesn’t make as big of an emotional impact as hoped for.
Mickey 17 is a bit quirky and overstuffed, but is a bold, entertaining science-fiction film chock full of big ideas. The film’s take on cloning and the unique complications on a person are unique. If you’re interested in a science-fiction epic that’s more offbeat than typical genre fare, this should make a positive impression. And one even gets the feeling that, like the main character, this picture may offer more and more with repeat viewings.