In an intriguing new film, “Mickey 17,” actor Robert Pattinson portrays a character who faces extreme challenges unlike any typical job. The film is directed by the renowned Bong Joon Ho, known for his creativity and unique storytelling, but it seems he may have gone too far this time.
In “Mickey 17,” the character Mickey is what’s known as an “Expendable.” This means his job requires him to die repeatedly in various disastrous ways, only to be brought back to life as the next version of himself. This premise raises questions about ethics and the nature of human life. While the film certainly showcases creativity, it struggles with coherence and suffers from excessive chaos and overindulgence in its narrative.
The movie begins with Mickey lying at the bottom of a crevasse on a strange planet. This establishes the high stakes of his expedition from Earth—it’s the year 2058, and life in space isn’t what anyone might hope for. He must endure a rigorous application process that he hardly pays attention to because of distractions around him. Unfortunately, when he learns he will be subjected to countless deadly experiments, the reality hits him hard.
Throughout the journey to the distant planet of Nilfheim, Mickey becomes a test subject, facing an array of horrendous experiences that go unchecked by others aboard the ship. The conditions on this journey are grim. Rationing of food has become the norm, and personal freedoms such as romance are strictly controlled by the expedition’s pompous leader, played by Mark Ruffalo. This setup paints a bleak picture reminiscent of controls seen in some modern environments, where personal liberties may be overlooked for the sake of efficiency or control.
As the plot unfolds, Mickey struggles against not only external threats but also the bureaucratic environment imposed by his leaders, who clearly embody a critique of authority figures. The film does not shy away from drawing parallels to contemporary political figures, with Ruffalo’s character suggesting an unflattering representation of a specific real-life leader.
Despite all the complexities, Pattinson’s performance shines through. He embodies both versions of Mickey convincingly, displaying a range of emotions from vulnerability to cunning survival instincts. His ability to navigate the chaotic narrative helps elevate the story, preventing it from becoming entirely expendable. Pattinson’s commitment to the role makes it worthwhile, showing that despite the challenges, there’s still a glimmer of hope and resilience.
Rated R for violence, language, and sexual content, “Mickey 17” runs for 139 minutes. It delivers a mixed bag experience, but with Pattinson at the helm, it’s hard to completely dismiss. With two out of four stars, this film leaves audiences pondering the balance between creativity and cohesion in storytelling.
