Mickey 17 is a science fiction comedy film produced by the Academy Award-winning writer and director Bong Joon Ho of Parasite. Starring Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, and Mark Ruffalo, among others in this amazing cast that truly makes the Sci-fi/Comedy.
Mickey 17 follows the journey of the space explorer Mickey Barnes, played by Pattinson. Mickey finds himself becoming a disposable employee with the mission of being sent on an expedition to a new world. In essence, Mickey’s job entails a few things out of the ordinary, including his physical death and regeneration following each of his demises.
The film is adapted from the book by Ashton Edward, Mickey7, published in February of 2022. Readers and watchers of the film can follow the adventures of Mickey as he is sent to colonize the new ice world, Niflheim. Following the death of one iteration, Mickey’s body is regenerated, and so are most of his own memories.
On Mickey’s expedition to space, the audience meets several of the lovable and comedic explorers that accompany Pattinson’s character throughout the film.
Naomi Ackie plays Nasha Barridge, the expedition’s security agent. Ackie’s character is not only hilarious and keeps it real, even off duty, but her sense of justice and compassion are what makes her so admirable. Ackie serves as Mickey’s love interest in the film as well, and she’s nothing short of girlfriend goals! Nasha Barridge would do anything for Mickey Barnes (and that goes for each of his regenerative selves,) making her the ultimate ride-or-die.
The Walking Dead‘s own Steven Yeun plays Berto, Mickey’s childhood friend and the expedition’s pilot. While Berto’s character may be somewhat self-interested when it comes to his own life or death, his comedic timing is absolutely on point! From deciding whether or not he’s the best friend you’d rather trash in the middle of the new-ice-world planet of Niflheim, you’ve got to admit, he’s foolishly funny, even if he’s not thinking things all the way through.
Mark Ruffalo as the politician that funds and leads the entire expedition is perfect. Ruffalo, who plays Kenneth Marshall, does a fantastic job of embodying the egotistical expedition leader. From his mannerisms to his diabolical planning, there’s always room for laughter during the serious moments. Viewers won’t be able to decide if they hate his evil tendencies or love the simplicity of his character.
Marshall’s wife, Ylfa is played by Toni Colette, who slays the role of devil’s advocate to her husband. Ylfa does the unhinged and scheming wife of the supreme leader to a T. From her slightly obsessive cooking hobby to her secret plotting, she’s Ruffalo’s match-made-in-heaven, and the secret brains behind the expedition in Mickey 17.
Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17 brilliantly addresses death through its black-comedy genre. Viewers see Mickey’s experiences with death through a lens that considers both existentialism and scientific discovery. What does it mean to die? Is death truly the end? At the same time, the film reminds us that Mickey is human, and like us all, he’s just as afraid of the end regardless of how many countless times he’s died.
Mickey 17 simultaneously tackles ethical concerns when it comes to science, abuse of power, and nature both on Earth and Niflheim. The sci-fi film spans beyond the usual expectations of the genre, making for a comedic, touching, and reflective experience altogether. Pattinson brought Mickey Barnes to life through his quirky yet lovable character and prompts us to think about life beyond the silver screen.
What’s important to Mickey: friendship, life, relationships, and mercy are equally important to the audience. At the end of the day, we are reminded of our humaneness, the importance of compassion, and our moral compass through Mickey’s journey.
The sci-fi black-comedy film Mickey 17 is in theaters now. Don’t miss it, N Crowd!
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