What to Watch This Weekend – Mickey 17

Mickey 17 is a story about discovering one’s true identity and purpose. In the future, humans have unlocked the secret to cloning. To escape a dire financial situation, Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) signs up to be a special kind of clone: an expendable. An expendable subjects themselves to dangerous experiments and situations, all to gain data. Upon dying, Mickey is “reprinted,” with all his previous knowledge intact and fully reformed body. During a recolonization mission, the 17^th iteration of Mickey is left for dead after a horrific accident. However, against all odds Mickey 17 survives. When he returns, Mickey 17 learns that the 18^th version of himself is already active. Now the two must grapple with the implications of their unique situation.

What works in Mickey 17 is Robert Pattinson’s incredible performance in the midst of the dark satire. Writer-director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite) crafts and executes a phenomenal script translating Edward Ashton’s seminal work, Mickey7. Pattinson, playing multiple versions of his character, is absolutely astounding. He deftly navigates complex and conflicting facets of Mickey in compelling ways. And Joon-ho plays with tone like walking a tightrope. Mickey 17 is hilarious without being campy; disturbing without being gross; sexy without being exploitative. The movie consistently engaging and fascinating, never releasing its grasp on the audience. Mickey 17 is the kind of enjoyable film that spawns conversation and analytical discourse seconds after people finish watching.

RELATED: Robert Pattinson Explores The Mind Of Bruce Wayne

People who avoid “weird” science-fiction films laden with unsettling violence may not enjoy Mickey 17 as much as others. This is a movie that intentionally pushes people to the limits of their comfort zone. There are several moments that are wildly unsettling. But Joon-ho’s intention is for people to find humor in the shocking absurdity. For example, people who don’t want to watch “funny torture,” should steer clear (although there’s more nuance than that). As such, Mickey 17 may be a bit too much to stomach at times. That said, Joon-ho knows restraint. He often goes right up to a line, but knows when to not cross.

Mickey 17 is an excellent piece of cinema. It is daring, imaginative, and thoughtful. Every single cast member gives 110%, and that dedication makes the film feel electric. There are probably lots of people who will find the proceedings too strange, but for those who appreciate films that take big risks, Mickey 17 is going to be an absolute delight. Highly recommended for specific audiences.

Recommended if you enjoyed: Parasite, Snowpiercer, Edge of Tomorrow, Poor Things

Mickey 17 is now available beginning on March 7^th.

The post What to Watch This Weekend – Mickey 17 appeared first on LRMonline.