Robert Pattinson’s role in Bong Joon Ho’s newest film “Mickey 17” is meek Mickey Barnes, who is so lost in life that he ends up signing up for a job that kills him, literally.
In the name of science, he is subjected to a variety of experimental deaths and brought back in a new body each time, memories and emotions intact. It’s a bleak existence.
His one silver lining is Nasha, his certified soulmate he met on his first day of the space expedition led by Mark Ruffalo’s character, who suspiciously resembles a certain President of the United States.
Bong Joon Ho is no stranger to pointing out social injustices and the negative impacts of capitalism. From “Okja” calling out the vicious meat industry to Best Picturewinning “Parasite” playing out a story of class disparity, he is known for his biting commentary on current issues.
Mickey 17 is no “Parasite” but it does succeed in being in your face with what it wants to say about capitalism, the social order and Donald Trump.
It’s not subtle, and anyone going to go see the movie will pick up on it.
Yes, the genre of this film widely falls into political sci-fi, but my favorite part is being overlooked: the romance.
The central relationship between Nasha and Mickey is the saving grace for some of the hollower plot points, like Mark Ruffalo’s lackluster performance and disjointed storylines.
It’s charming to watch their opposing personality traits fit together so seamlessly.
She would do anything for him, and he’s just grateful to be around her.
The 17 in “Mickey 17” refers to each time his body is “re-printed” after dying, thanks to advanced technology.
The science behind it all isn’t explained, but suspending your disbelief is a key part of enjoying science fiction. For example, when there’s suddenly two Pattinsons on screen, the audience will simply have to take it in stride.
The second Pattinson is Mickey 18, an edgier and impulsive version of Mickey 17.
Their interactions add humor to the film and open the floor to a wider, maybe cheesy, romantic concept as Nasha navigates her love for every version and personality facet of Mickey.
Nasha acts as his primary motivation and guidance, and he pulls through as an unlikely hero with her help.
As much as I love tragic and turbulent romances, a clean-cut love story can be just as appreciated.
Bong Joon Ho seemed like an unlikely candidate to make it happen, but his version of true love is satisfying.
In an interview with USA Today, Pattinson talks about the intensity of Mickey’s love for Nasha.
“He just wants to have a nice life and be a regular dude,” he said. “He doesn’t really have any higher aspirations particularly. He was fine with being tortured every day if he could just go home to Nasha.”
The main performances from Pattinson and Naomi Ackie, who plays Nasha, carry the film by investing the audience in an outlandish concept without hitch.
The chemistry between their characters is magnetic and unique. Pattison gave a pitch perfect performance in his role, but Ackie is also a star. She brought Nasha to life as a strong and captivating female lead.
For a highly entertaining sci-fi, and arguably romantic, film, “Mickey 17” fits the bill. It’s engaging off the bat, with a main character who’s easy to root for and a cartoonishly evil villain to watch fall.
The bumps are easy to overlook as there’s a good amount of charm to hold the audience through its runtime.
