Bong Joon-ho’s films are driven by his acute awareness of society’s deepest problems. With “Memories of Murder,” he criticized institutional failure and authoritarianism. “Snowpiercer” was a blunt allegory for classism and capitalism. “Parasite,” his most famous film, observed the issues with class divide and social mobility. Now, Bong has released his latest film, “Mickey 17,” and it does not shy away from criticizing and satirizing the current state of the world.
Set in a near-future where humanity, as usual, has turned to space colonization as an answer to its own self-destruction, “Mickey 17” follows the titular character (or rather, characters) played by Robert Pattinson. Mickey is an “expendable,” a cloned worker who is repeatedly sacrificed for the survival of a new colony on an icy planet. Every time he dies, his memories are transferred into a new body. Through this character, the film discusses what it means to die, the value of a life and labor ethics. It’s a premise that Bong uses to full satirical effect, discussing corporate exploitation and the absurdity of identity under present-day capitalism.
Incredible Performances Led by Pattinson
Bong does not pretend to be subtle here. It’s just not his style. The film is loud, bold and often ridiculous in its critique of labor dehumanization, the political theater of our time and the way power structures maintain control. Pattinson, taking on the dual roles of Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, delivers an incredible performance, possibly his best so far. He shows off his acting abilities here, shifting between two completely different personalities.
Mark Ruffalo, meanwhile, delivers a grotesquely comedic performance as the colony’s leader, a dictator whose incompetence hardly hides his greed. His character, both hilarious and terrifying, is a clear nod to modern political figures. Alongside them are Toni Collette, Naomi Ackie and Steven Yeun, who give just as strong performances.
The production design adds to Bong’s critique. Everything on set is utilitarian, disposable and optimized for efficiency rather than humanity, reflecting the film’s central ideas. The colony’s sterile, claustrophobic interiors contrast with the vast, inhospitable planet outside. The food looks gross, and Ruffalo’s character weaponizes it to get the characters to do what he wants. Every detail reinforces the film’s bleak message: even in the most extreme circumstances, the system still prioritizes power over people.
Bong’s Setup and Payoff
Bong is a master of setup and payoff. He threads details throughout the film that resurface at the perfect time. Even scenes that seem initially unnecessary, like the extended sexual ones, ultimately serve a purpose, whether to deepen character dynamics or reinforce the film’s broader themes. However, not everything lands perfectly. Anamaria Vartolomei’s character, for example, is intriguing but never fully becomes something significant. She is a catalyst for a single conflict, but beyond that, her role feels underdeveloped. It’s almost like there was more to explore but not enough space to do so.
Environmentalism and Capitalism
“Mickey 17” also uses environmentalist themes to critique capitalism and governments. Ruffalo’s character wants to exterminate the indigenous species of the ice planet because he deems them “alien” and “vermin.” His desire to create a “perfect colony” to have the “perfect planet” mirrors the capitalist mindset that exploits natural resources and disregards the inherent value of ecosystems in favor of profit and progress. Bong uses the icy planet’s environment and indigenous life forms as symbols of resistance against human attempts to control and commodify nature, depicting the consequences of prioritizing profit over ethics.
A Chaotic, Comedic Look at Society
In “Mickey 17,” Bong Joon-ho once again critiques the systems that define and confine humanity. The film is a chaotic yet comedic reflection of a world where those in power will stop at nothing to maintain control, regardless of the cost to the people or the planet. It is a harsh, uncomfortable study of the world’s failings. “Mickey 17” explores social hierarchies and humanity’s destructive nature.
