Mickey 17 Review: Bong Joon-ho's Sci-Fi Epic Explores Human Condition

Image credits: Jonathan Olley/Warner Bros. Pictures

The latest film from acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho, Mickey 17, has finally arrived, and it's a wild ride that explores the human condition in a way that's both thought-provoking and entertaining. Starring Robert Pattinson as the titular character, Mickey 17 is a sci-fi comedy that delves into themes of immortality, self, and the consequences of playing with nature. The film is set in a future where humanity has colonized other planets, and corporations have taken over, exploiting workers and treating them as disposable. Pattinson plays Mickey Barnes, a hapless loser who signs up to be an "expendable" on a space mission, meaning he can be killed and reborn multiple times, with each new iteration retaining the memories of the previous one.

The film is based on the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton and features a talented cast, including Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette as the villainous Kenneth and Ylfa Marshall, a power-hungry couple who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The story is full of twists and turns, with a healthy dose of satire and social commentary thrown in for good measure. One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its exploration of the human condition, particularly in the context of immortality and what it means to be alive. As Mickey navigates his multiple lives, he begins to question the nature of his existence and the consequences of his actions. The film also features a unique blend of humor and horror, with a dash of science fiction thrown in for good measure. The result is a film that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, with a healthy dose of social commentary to boot.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its cast, which delivers performances that are both nuanced and over-the-top. Pattinson shines as Mickey, bringing a sense of vulnerability and humor to the role. Ruffalo and Collette are also excellent as the villainous Marshalls, bringing a sense of depth and complexity to their characters. The film's visuals are also noteworthy, with a blend of practical and CGI effects that create a truly immersive world. The cinematography is stunning, with a mix of sweeping landscapes and claustrophobic interiors that add to the film's sense of tension and unease. Overall, Mickey 17 is a must-see film that's sure to leave audiences talking long after the credits roll.

In terms of its themes and messages, Mickey 17 is a film that's both timely and timeless. It explores issues that are relevant to our current world, such as the exploitation of workers and the consequences of playing with nature. At the same time, it's a film that's deeply rooted in the human condition, exploring universal themes that are relevant to audiences everywhere. The film's use of satire and social commentary is also noteworthy, with a healthy dose of humor and irony thrown in for good measure. Some of the key themes and messages in the film include:

• The exploitation of workers and the consequences of treating people as disposable
• The dangers of playing with nature and the consequences of scientific hubris
• The importance of human connection and empathy in a world that's increasingly driven by technology and profit
• The nature of identity and self, particularly in the context of immortality and multiple lives

Overall, Mickey 17 is a film that's sure to leave audiences talking long after the credits roll. With its unique blend of humor, horror, and science fiction, it's a must-see film that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. The film's exploration of the human condition, particularly in the context of immortality and what it means to be alive, is both timely and timeless. The cast delivers performances that are both nuanced and over-the-top, and the film's visuals are stunning, with a blend of practical and CGI effects that create a truly immersive world. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, comedy, or drama, Mickey 17 is a film that's sure to appeal to a wide range of audiences.