A Unique Sci-Fi Comedy to Stream This Weekend
In 2020, South Korean director Bong Joon Ho made history when his dark comedy, Parasite, secured two Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. This year, he returned to theaters with his latest offering, the sci-fi comedy Mickey 17.
While it may not replicate the Oscar-winning success of its predecessor, Mickey 17 has garnered positive reviews, particularly following its recent debut on streaming platforms. The film has been highlighted as a top recommendation for viewers this weekend.
The Many Deaths and Lives of Robert Pattinson
In Mickey 17, Robert Pattinson stars as Mickey Barnes, a character who meets an untimely demise early in the film. Driven by a desperate desire to escape Earth, Mickey accepts a job in space that leads him to harrowing situations designed for disaster. Each time he dies, Mickey is reborn as a clone, ultimately becoming Mickey 17.
Pattinson effectively imbues each of Mickey’s clones with unique characteristics, adding individual touches that elevate the film’s dark comedy. A standout moment occurs when Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 share the screen, showcasing Pattinson’s talent for portraying the characters as distinctly different personalities. Even in the film’s most humorous instances, he manages to inject a deeper sense of humanity. Additionally, both iterations of Mickey are romantically interested in their girlfriend, Nasha Barridge (Naomi Ackie), creating a complex love triangle.
It’s An Effective Sci-Fi Satire
If Ho intended to use Mickey’s repeated deaths as a metaphor for the impact of capitalism on everyday lives, he has succeeded, albeit without subtlety. Mickey 17 tackles the indifference of the people in Mickey’s life towards his suffering. Even his best friend, Timo (Steven Yeun), prefers to let Mickey 17 perish from exposure than risk his own life, believing there is an endless supply of clones available for replacement.
Additionally, Mark Ruffalo portrays Kenneth Marshall, a character reminiscent of real-world leaders who disregard human lives and environmental consequences. Marshall embodies a utilitarian philosophy, emphasizing the moral void exhibited by many characters throughout the film.
‘Mickey 17’ Manages to Find Empathy for Its Aliens
Without revealing too many details, the aliens featured in Mickey 17 play an increasingly significant role as the story unfolds. Known as Creepers, these semi-grotesque beings represent a metaphor for humanity’s failure to protect animals and ecosystems from destructive tendencies.
The notable difference lies in the Creepers’ ability to articulate humanity’s offenses against them, and they possess the power to act upon these grievances. Ho successfully evokes empathy for the Creepers, positioning them not as villains, but as symbols of humanity’s shortcomings. Ultimately, the Mickeys have an opportunity to seek reconciliation with the Creepers before facing dire consequences for their fellow humans.
Mickey 17 is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.
