Mickey 17 Aimed for Masterpiece but Even Robert Pattinson Couldn’t Save It

Bong Joon-ho’s latest film, Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, promises mind-bending sci-fi elements and deep existential themes. Yet, despite its intriguing premise about repeated death and resurrection, the film sidesteps the more profound implications of its central concept.

A Sci-Fi Thriller With A Familiar Yet Compelling Premise

Mickey 17 is adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey 7, which follows a disposable worker, or an “expendable,” who is repeatedly cloned and sent to complete dangerous tasks on an interstellar colony. Each time he dies, a new version of himself is activated, carrying over most of his memories. It’s a concept that blends the philosophical weight of Altered Carbon with the dark humor of The Edge of Tomorrow, offering a fresh take on the implications of self-replication.

Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Mickey, a man constantly reborn into an endless cycle of suffering and sacrifice, is expected to bring emotional depth and intensity to the role. Given Bong Joon-ho’s track record of mixing social commentary with genre storytelling (Parasite, Snowpiercer), Mickey 17 should be the perfect playground for exploring profound questions about identity, consciousness, and the meaning of life when death no longer holds finality. However, early insights into the film suggest that while Pattinson’s character endures countless deaths, the movie doesn’t fully embrace the deeper ethical and existential dilemmas inherent in the story.

The Overlooked Question of Identity and Continuity

One of the most fascinating aspects of Mickey 17’s premise is its take on the nature of identity. If every new Mickey retains his memories but is, in essence, a new organism, is he truly the same person? Or is each iteration merely an artificial continuation of an individual long since deceased?

Many great works of science fiction have tackled this question, but few in mainstream cinema have truly delved into the horror and philosophical implications of such a cycle. Mickey 17 had the opportunity to challenge audiences with thought-provoking dilemmas: Does dying over and over diminish the value of life? If a new version of Mickey wakes up believing he is the same person, does the original version’s consciousness truly survive? These questions linger in the background but, unfortunately, seem to take a backseat to the more action-driven sequences.

A Narrative That Prioritizes Spectacle Over Depth

While the film undoubtedly boasts visually striking cinematography and tense action sequences, early responses suggest that it leans more into its thrilling elements rather than exploring the unsettling reality of a world where death is merely an inconvenience. Bong Joon-ho’s past works often excel in blending entertainment with sharp social critique, but Mickey 17 may not dedicate enough screen time to interrogating its most compelling theme—what it truly means to be “expendable.”

The novel Mickey 7 delves into these concerns, offering readers a nuanced look at the ethical ramifications of a society that normalizes human disposability. The book questions how people perceive their own worth when they are treated as mere tools. If the film remains too focused on its sci-fi adventure elements, it could miss an opportunity to bring these complex ideas to mainstream audiences in a way that resonates beyond the genre’s usual enthusiasts.

How Mickey 17 Could Have Pushed Its Themes Further

There are multiple ways Bong Joon-ho could have taken Mickey 17 in a more conceptually ambitious direction. The film might have explored:

Mickey’s Emotional and Psychological Deterioration

Over multiple deaths and resurrections, does Mickey begin to lose his sense of self? Does he start questioning whether his thoughts and emotions are truly his own or just pre-programmed remnants of his past selves? A deeper exploration of his mental state could have given the film an additional psychological horror element.

The Ethical Consequences of Cloning and Disposability

If expendables like Mickey are treated as second-class citizens, what does that say about the value society places on consciousness and individuality? A world where death is reversible might breed apathy or even cruelty towards those considered disposable.

The Paradoxes of Immortality Without Agency

Unlike traditional immortality narratives, Mickey’s continued existence is tied to a cycle of suffering and utility. The film could have explored whether a life without a true sense of permanence is even worth living.

The Social and Political Ramifications of Expendability

Would expendables ever organize, revolt, or demand rights? Would society view them as workers, slaves, or something in between? These questions could have given the film a layer of sociopolitical depth.

The Technological and Scientific Mysteries Behind the Process

How exactly does the cloning work? Are there hidden consequences that Mickey—or society—has yet to uncover? Many sci-fi classics thrive on uncovering the dark side of technology, but Mickey 17 may not spend enough time on this aspect.

Robert Pattinson’s Performance Could Be The Film’s Saving Grace

Despite potential shortcomings in fully exploring its core themes, one element that may elevate Mickey 17 is Robert Pattinson’s performance. Known for his transformative roles in The Lighthouse, Good Time, and Tenet, Pattinson has a knack for portraying psychologically complex characters trapped in unsettling situations.

His ability to convey existential dread, confusion, and gradual detachment from reality could help bridge the gap between the film’s action-oriented narrative and the deeper questions it hints at. If the script allows Pattinson to truly inhabit the role of a man who repeatedly confronts his own mortality, Mickey 17 might still leave a lasting impact despite its reluctance to fully embrace its philosophical core.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity for a Deeper Sci-Fi Classic?

While Mickey 17 has all the makings of a compelling sci-fi masterpiece, its potential reliance on action over introspection could prevent it from reaching the same level of thought-provoking storytelling as films like Blade Runner 2049 or Ex Machina. It’s a movie that invites audiences to think about the nature of death, but it may not push them far enough into the uncomfortable truths of what that truly means.

For those looking for a thrilling sci-fi adventure with an engaging lead performance, Mickey 17 will likely deliver. But for those hoping for a film that deeply explores the ethical and existential questions of cloning, consciousness, and self-worth, it may leave some of the most intriguing aspects of its premise frustratingly underdeveloped.

Ultimately, Mickey 17 represents both a fascinating premise and a missed opportunity. It’s a reminder that while sci-fi often raises incredible questions, it takes a bold and uncompromising narrative to answer them in a way that truly resonates. Bong Joon-ho has the creative genius to bring these themes to life, but whether he fully commits to them remains to be seen.