It isn’t often that a movie can touch so accurately at the issues that plague us in the modern day, but the newest film from Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho, Mickey 17, manages such with a stunning amount of care. The Korean filmmaker tackles themes of worker exploitation, imperialism, climate change, technological ethics, fascism, what it means to be human, and more. At no point does it feel like one of these ideas is half-baked. Bong’s critiques of modern society are clear but never pessimistic. This allows the comedic beats to hit equally as well as the drama and action despite the often dark subject matter they surround.
Robert Pattinson’s performance as Mickey Barnes solidifies him as one of my favorite working actors. If his performances in Twilight, Good Time, and The Batman weren’t enough to sell you on his range, then this film is where it becomes undeniable. The twin effect in TV and movies can often come across as uncanny or cringe-worthy, but here, it’s mesmerizing. Pattinson isn’t just playing himself twice, he is playing two distinct characters whose differences can be discerned just through how Pattinson carries himself in each role. Taking away sound, you would still never be confused as to which Mickey is which, a testament to Pattinson’s mastery of facial and bodily expression. His performance only elevates an incredibly compelling character who represents the nuanced sides of humanity’s response to the problems at hand. Bong uses Mickey to explore how humanity has been victimized by those in power and how we vary in our reactions to it.
Naomi Ackie plays the soul of the film as Nasha. Her unconditional care for Mickey is the lifeline for his humanity. The question of whether a person has a soul is often posed. Is Mickey still a person if he has been reprinted so many times? Nasha never wavers on this point, and it is a call to the audience to do the same. Her character is the vanguard against the dehumanization of workers, and without Ackie’s impeccable acting skills, this message would fall through. Her confidence on screen is infectious to the point that we, the audience, can’t help but believe in her as much as Mickey does. Ackie adds a level of intimacy to an often goofy movie, which legitimizes the more serious moments. Her chemistry with Pattinson is a highlight of the film and is a joy to watch, which only gets stronger throughout the film.
Bong is not shy with his political commentary. Mark Ruffalo plays Kenneth Marshall, the self-obsessed ex-politician who leads a colonization effort to another planet backed by a major religious corporation. His supporters are fanatics who don red hats, and he spouts about making a pure colony. While the parallels to our reality are apparent, Bong is careful that Marshall and his followers never become too outlandish. Marshall’s believability is what makes him a compelling antagonist. Ruffalo is delightful in the role, hamming up Marshall’s incompetent wickedness while still not downplaying the serious consequences of the character’s actions.
Good art will always have something to say. Mickey 17 takes that to heart. An enjoyable time with some great jokes and engaging action, but it’s the wider conversation it’s trying to start with its themes that really gives it an edge. It’s a brave movie made by an incredibly creative filmmaker who wasn’t afraid to take a risk and make something weird, and it’s worth your time.
