Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Mickey 17’ delivers sci-fi satire with Robert Pattinson exploring capitalism, class struggle, and existential dread

Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 blends dark humor, class struggle, and sci-fi satire, with Robert Pattinson.

Bong Joon-ho’s latest film, Mickey 17, offers a bold and satirical take on capitalism through the lens of science fiction. The Oscar-winning director of Parasite has crafted a visually stunning and thematically rich film that merges dark humor, class struggle, and existential dread.

Based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, the film follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an "expendable" worker assigned to a space colony on the frozen planet Niflheim. To escape his debts, Mickey takes on a dangerous job where, upon death, his memories are transferred into a newly printed body, allowing him to work and die repeatedly. By the time the audience meets him, he has already reached his 17th iteration.

Bong seamlessly integrates elements from his previous works, combining the dystopian bleakness of Snowpiercer with the satirical absurdity of Okja. The film presents a biting critique of labor exploitation, portraying Mickey as a disposable worker resigned to his fate. His casual acceptance of constant death, even in the face of lethal assignments, adds both comedic and tragic layers to the narrative.

Pattinson delivers a dynamic performance, embracing the role with eccentricity reminiscent of his work in Good Time and The Lighthouse. His character’s world is further complicated when he encounters Mickey 18, his unexpected successor. The film also introduces Niflheim’s native insectoid creatures, the “creepers,” who, to Mickey’s surprise, refuse to harm him.

The supporting cast includes Mark Ruffalo as a former congressman-turned-colonial leader, embodying a Trump-like figure vulnerable to religious manipulation, while Toni Collette plays his power-hungry wife. Naomi Ackie’s Nasha, Mickey’s girlfriend, provides a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.

With Mickey 17, Bong crafts a visually stunning, thought-provoking sci-fi satire that seamlessly blends humor, existential dread, and class commentary—further cementing his status as a masterful storyteller.