After the global triumph of his 4x Oscar-winning masterpiece Parasite (2019), South Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho is back with Mickey 17, a dazzling blend of science fiction and biting political satire that showcases Robert Pattinson at his career best. The film, completed in early 2023 but delayed by Warner Bros. amid Hollywood’s historic strikes, finally arrives at a moment when its themes resonate with uncanny relevance in today’s volatile political landscape—an accidental timing that amplifies its impact.
Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, Bong’s Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), a desperate everyman who signs up as an “expendable” for a space colonization mission. Tasked with the deadliest jobs, Mickey dies repeatedly, only to be “reprinted” with his memories intact—a process that advances humanity’s extraterrestrial ambitions. Bong ups the ante from the source material, killing Mickey 17 times (10 more than the book) and infusing the story with dark humor and sharp social commentary.
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While staying true to the novel’s core, Bong transforms Mickey 17 into a genre-defying spectacle. The film’s expansive worldbuilding echoes his 2013 dystopian thriller Snowpiercer, while its amplified satirical edge recalls the audacity of 2017’s Okja. Traces of ecological critique from 2006’s The Host also weave through this ambitious narrative. Though filmed in 2022—before Donald Trump’s second presidency—Mickey 17 feels eerily prescient, cementing Bong’s evolution as a filmmaker unafraid to skewer power and human folly.
Pattinson shines as the beleaguered Mickey, bringing depth and wit to a role that oscillates between tragic pawn and subversive hero. Critics are already buzzing about the film’s awards potential, though some wonder if its delayed release missed an optimal window for box office glory. Regardless, Mickey 17 is a bold return for Bong Joon-ho, proving once again his knack for blending entertainment with provocation.
Key Points:
- Bong Joon-ho’s Return: The Parasite director’s first film since 2019, Mickey 17 adapts Edward Ashton’s Mickey7 with a satirical twist.
- Robert Pattinson Excels: Pattinson delivers a standout performance as Mickey Barnes, an “expendable” who dies and revives repeatedly for humanity’s gain.
- Sci-Fi Meets Satire: Bong amplifies the novel’s premise with 10 extra deaths and sharp political commentary, reflecting his signature style.
- Timely Release: Completed in 2023 but delayed by strikes, the film lands amid a charged political climate, enhancing its relevance.
- Awards Buzz: While lauded for its ambition, debate swirls over whether its release timing impacts its box office and Oscar prospects.
- Bong’s Evolution: The film builds on themes from Snowpiercer, Okja, and The Host, cementing his status as a visionary filmmaker.
