Mickey 17

Macrobetix ”Bong Joon Ho’s most recent film release is a black comedy sci-fi following the story of a colonisation programme to the planet Niflheim in the year 2050. During the journey they use expendable Mickey in numerous experiments and hazardous tasks, to ensure the colony’s survival. But things take a turn not only for Mickey in his 17th ‘reprint’, but also for the fate of the colony as leader Kenneth Marshall’s twisted ideology comes to light when he’s faced with an alien species that already inhabits the planet.

There are some interesting plots and narratives at work through the film. Some of which are disturbingly reflective of current politics, as it’s clear Marshall is a parody of Donald Trump. The scene where Naomi Ackie loses her cool with him screaming ”You’re a F@cking Idiot” is especially powerful. The Trump-esque character raises points about race and his hostile attitude of the native species found to live on Niflheim.

Also as the film centres around Mickey, who essentially signs up to become a re-printable clone of himself or an ‘expendable’ there are questions and ideas explored surrounding this. From its practical application, its moral implications and themes surrounding memory and death.

A great watch with some equally great characters and acting especially from Naomi Ackie (Nasha Barridge), Robert Patterson (Mickey) & Mark Ruffalo (Kenneth Marshall).”

Paul ”At the start I felt really sorry for him, it seemed he had no real friends and the people around him saw him as expendable, rather than a real person. How he was treated compared to someone who only had 1 life. Surely all life matters even if you can come back. there was only ever 1 Micky alive at once, even though he was copied, each one was unique. What they didn’t care about was the value in human life & seeing deeper than ones appearance. But then when he met a version of himself it made him question the things and people around him. He was the best & worst part of himself rolled into one. When he stood out and saved the alien species, the people saw more than just an expendable. A good little watch”