Mickey 17 written, produced and directed by visionary filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, delivers a fantastic, zany sci-fi dystopian black comedy full of political and social subtext. The film adaptation retains the spirit and essence of its source material, Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, paying off on a grand scale with big and exciting additions to the story, including ten additional dead Mickeys.
The film follows Mickey Barnes, an Expendable on the Drakkar colony ship. What’s the role of an Expendable? He could be a high-risk handyman in space (without the hazard pay and safety equipment) or a lab rat. Whatever it might be, Mickey’s your man! After all, you can always bio-print another one!
After apparently dying while on patrol on Niflheim, a desolate ice world ripe for colonisation, Mickey 17 returns to the Drakkar, and meets his latest counterpart, Mickey 18. Setting off an unstoppable chain of events for the Mickeys and the Niflheim colony.
In the context of the director’s previous works, the Snowpiercer and Okja vibes are palpable throughout. The film is meticulously edited, and the original film score immaculately captures every moment, thought and feeling of the characters, which shouldn’t come as a surprise from Yang Jin-mo (Editor of Parasite, Okja and Train to Busan) and Jung Jae-il (Composer of Parasite and Squid Games) respectively.
Robert Pattinson is spectacular as every variant of Mickey Barnes. Naomi Ackie shines as Nasha Barridge, Mickey’s girlfriend, while Steven Yeun portrays the on-and-off again best friend of Mickey you love to hate, Timo.
Mark Ruffalo is Kenneth Marshall, a zealous politician and leader of the Drakkar. His character is best described as a religious political leader with the charisma of a used car salesman and the showmanship of a Las Vegas Elvis impersonator.
Toni Collette portrays his whimsical and cutthroat wife and muse, Yifa. The duo has an intimidating aura and presence that stays with audiences long after the credits roll.
At the core of Mickey 17 is a political drama, that feels very much alive thanks to clever writing and outstanding performances from everybody on set. The quirky Niflheim colony feels real, believable and relatable. These qualities are crucial to making an active social commentary for audiences to ponder.
Fans of the books will instantly recognise deep cuts in the lore such as the Natalist religion, ghost chasers and cycler paste. The Creepers, Niflheim’s native inhabitants, are also brought to life with great success (and undeniable cuteness).
To aptly describe Mickey7 and Mickey 17 is to utilise the Ship of Theseus thought experiment. If parts of a ship are replaced over time or all at once, does it remain the same? Or is it a different ship?
In the case of the film, it is 100% the same ship. Mickey 17 stays true to its source material’s thesis, delivering sharp sociopolitical commentary against a dystopian sci-fi backdrop. Any story or character changes only enhance the film’s plot and underlying message.
In cinemas now, Mickey 17 is a triumph of modern science fiction and a must-watch for fans of Supanova alum Bong Joon-ho. Moviegoers who love the film will also enjoy the books, Mickey7 and its sequel, Antimatter Blues.
