Mickey 17, the latest movie
by filmmaker Bong Joon Ho

Reflections on identity, self-esteem, social hierarchies, and labour exploitation

By Andrew Burlone

March 13, 2025

Bong Joon-ho‘s latest science fiction black comedy, Mickey 17 is based on Edward Ashton‘s novel Mickey7. It features Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, who takes on the role of an “Expendable” in a mission to colonize the icy planet Niflheim in 2054. In this futuristic setting, Mickey’s existence is marked by his ability to be repeatedly recreated after death, highlighting themes of classism and the expendability of human life in a capitalist-driven society.

Blending satire and romance, the film maintains Bong’s signature style of combining dark humour with thought-provoking narratives.

Set on the icy, desolate planet of Niflheim in 2054, the story follows Mickey Barnes, a so-called “Expendable” whose job is to undertake deadly missions for the colony. Each time Mickey dies, his consciousness is transferred into a new cloned body, making him both indispensable and disposable. The plot takes a sharp turn when Mickey 17, the seventeenth iteration, survives a mission thought to be fatal and returns to the colony—only to find that Mickey 18 has already been created to replace him. This sets the stage for a tense and often humorous exploration of identity, humanity, and survival.

The movie delves into existential questions about identity and self-worth while critiquing societal hierarchies and labour exploitation. It vividly portrays how individuals can internalize their disposability when subjected to systemic dehumanization, offering a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and societal values in a futuristic setting. Blending satire and romance, the film maintains Bong’s signature style of combining dark humour with thought-provoking narratives.

Thematically, the film raises the question of what it means to be human in a system that treats individuals as expendable resources while exploring how individuals internalize their disposability. These ideas are brought to life through sharp dialogue, moments of dark humour, and poignant character interactions. Critics praised Bong Joon-ho’s direction and Pattinson’s performance, noting the film’s poignant yet darkly humorous tone and its commentary on societal disposability.

Exploring class inequality

Mickey 17 continues the director’s exploration of classism, a recurring theme in his filmography. In this sci-fi black comedy, the theme of class inequality is woven throughout the narrative in several ways. The film presents a stark contrast between the expendable clones, represented by Mickey Barnes, and the ruling class, embodied by Kenneth Marshall. Mickey’s expendable status relegates him to a lower class, forced to undertake dangerous missions and serve as an object of experimentation. This hierarchy reflects the exploitation of the working class by those in power.

Mickey’s role as an “Expendable” underscores the disposability of the lower class in this society. He is repeatedly sent on near-suicidal tasks, dying and being reprinted multiple times, emphasizing how the ruling class views workers as replaceable resources rather than individuals. This dehumanization is further illustrated by Mickey being referred to as “crap spam” and “human burger meat,” highlighting his status as just a step above food in the ship’s hierarchy.

As in Bong’s previous works, food distribution serves as a potent symbol of class disparity. The colonists receive rationed, low-quality food with strictly regulated calorie intake, while Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and his wife Ylfa (Toni Collette) enjoy gourmet meals. Ylfa’s obsession with perfecting sauce recipes highlights the luxury unavailable to the lower-class workers. Ylfa even proclaims that “sauce is the true litmus test of civilization,” emphasizing the stark divide between the haves and have-nots.

‘Mickey 17 delivers a pointed critique of class structures and the dehumanization of workers in a capitalist-driven society’

Kenneth Marshall’s portrayal of an inept leader with a cult-like following represents the danger of worshipping those in power. The film critiques the way charismatic but incompetent leaders can maintain control through manipulation and the support of sycophants. Marshall and Ylfa’s quarters are depicted as vibrant and richly decorated, contrasting sharply with the dark, minimalist design of the working-class sections of the spaceship.

As the story progresses, Mickey’s journey becomes one of self-discovery and resistance against the oppressive system. The conflict between Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 represents the internal struggle many face when confronting systemic inequality, with one accepting his lot in life and the other aspiring for change. This tension between Mickey’s dehumanization and rehumanization forms the core of the film’s narrative.

Through these elements, Mickey 17 delivers a pointed critique of class structures and the dehumanization of workers in a capitalist-driven society, continuing Bong Joon-ho’s tradition of using science fiction as a vehicle for social commentary. The film ultimately suggests that society improves when people stand united against exploitation and prioritize looking out for one another over self-interest.

Niflheim

The icy, desolate planet of Niflheim is integral to the narrative, serving as both a physical and symbolic foundation for the story. Its harsh, unrelenting environment mirrors the precarious existence of Mickey Barnes. The planet’s extreme conditions heighten the stakes of survival, forcing the colony to depend on Mickey’s disposability while simultaneously questioning his humanity and value.

Beyond its physical challenges, Niflheim provides a stage for deeper philosophical exploration. The presence of the Creepers, the planet’s native life forms, introduces moral dilemmas about coexistence and exploitation. These alien creatures challenge humanity’s colonizing ambitions, contrasting the settlers’ extractive mindset with the possibility of understanding and collaboration. The isolation and danger of Niflheim amplify these ethical conflicts, particularly as Mickey struggles with his identity in a system that views him as replaceable.

‘The icy, desolate planet of Niflheim is integral to the narrative of Mickey 17, serving as both a physical and symbolic foundation for the story.’

Visually, Niflheim’s stark, frozen landscape underscores themes of loneliness and human fragility in an alien world. Its vast, unforgiving terrain enhances the film’s exploration of survival and sacrifice while posing existential questions about what it truly means to live. The setting not only shapes the characters’ struggles but also reinforces the broader critique of humanity’s approach to domination and resource exploitation in unfamiliar territories.

A challenge to the traditional notion of identity

The concept of “multiples” challenges traditional notions of identity by offering a more nuanced and flexible understanding of human selfhood. It moves away from the idea that individuals possess a single, unified identity, instead embracing the possibility of maintaining several distinct identities within one person. This perspective suggests that identity is not fixed or unchanging but can shift and adapt based on specific social contexts or situations. By doing so, it calls into question the long-held belief that a stable, singular self is essential to personal coherence.

This challenges the assumption that a healthy psyche must be entirely integrated. Some researchers argue that multiplicity is not inherently pathological but rather a socially constructed and learned phenomenon that can serve adaptive purposes. In this view, having multiple identities may enable individuals to respond more effectively to the demands of diverse environments and circumstances, offering flexibility where rigidity might fail.

The existence of multiple identity phenomena across cultures further undermines the universality of the Western concept of a unitary self. It suggests that what is often considered “normal” or “healthy” in one cultural framework may not apply universally. Multiples provide a way to navigate complex moral landscapes and conflicting normative frameworks, allowing individuals to adapt their sense of self in ways that a singular, persistent identity might struggle to achieve. Multiples present a dynamic spectrum of identity configurations, ranging from fully separate identities to interconnected ones.

‘The existence of multiple identity phenomena across cultures further undermines the universality of the Western concept of a unitary self.’

This concept also challenges the automatic pathologization of diverse identity experiences, suggesting that multiplicity can be a valid and meaningful way of experiencing and expressing oneself. By highlighting the performative nature of identity—where selves are enacted rather than inherent or fixed—it reframes identity as something fluid and situational rather than static. In doing so, it contrasts sharply with traditional views that prioritize singularity and stability in self-concept, offering instead a richer, more adaptable understanding of what it means to be human.

Mickey 17 is an ambitious and thought-provoking science fiction film that blends dark comedy with existential musings. Bong Joon-ho’s direction shines as he balances the film’s heavy themes with moments of biting satire and absurdity. Robert Pattinson delivers a compelling performance as Mickey, capturing both the existential dread and wry humour of a man grappling with his own replaceability. The dynamic between Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 is particularly engaging, as it delves into the ethical and emotional complexities of coexisting with another version of oneself.

Visually, Mickey 17 is stunning. Niflheim’s icy landscapes are both beautiful and foreboding, serving as a perfect metaphor for the isolation and fragility of human existence in an alien world. The stark environment amplifies the stakes for the colony’s survival while reflecting Mickey’s internal struggles. The production design and special effects immerse viewers in a world that feels both futuristic and eerily plausible.

‘Mickey 17 is an ambitious and thought-provoking science fiction film that blends dark comedy with existential musings.’

Mickey 17 is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find its pacing uneven, particularly as it juggles its philosophical musings with moments of action and satire. Some critics suggest that Mickey 17 may not reach the same level of narrative cohesion and thematic depth as Bong’s earlier works, particularly Parasite. The film has been described as “doing a lot,” which may result in a less focused exploration of its central themes than his previous films’ tightly woven storytelling. Additionally, while the supporting cast—including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo—delivers strong performances, some characters feel underdeveloped compared to the depth given to Mickey.

Overall, Mickey 17 is a bold and inventive film that challenges traditional sci-fi tropes while offering a deeply human story about identity and survival. Bong Joon-ho’s unique vision elevates the material into something both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. It’s a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, inviting reflection on its many layers of meaning. For fans of science fiction that dares to ask big questions while maintaining a sense of humour, Mickey 17 is an experience worth having.

Feature image: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Canada

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Andrew Burlone, co-founder of WestmountMag.ca, began his media journey at NOUS magazine. Subsequently, he launched Visionnaires, holding the position of creative director for over 30 years. Andrew is passionate about cinema and photography and has a keen interest in visual arts and architecture.