With President Donald Trump back in the White House, various forms of media and art will inevitably reflect commentary on him and his supporters. While some expressions will be subtle, Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17 is anything but understated.

The acclaimed director, known for his incisive satire in Parasite, delivers a thought-provoking parable set in a future ravaged by human-made catastrophes on Earth. In this dystopian narrative, a failed politician, characterized by his tendency to purse his lips during speeches, launches a spaceship filled with his ardent followers. These supporters don red baseball caps emblazoned with his slogan, aspiring to forge a “pure planet” among the stars.

This narrative is undeniably direct. The parallels between this fictional world and contemporary America under Trump’s influence might challenge any notions of escapism. However, it is significant to note that Mickey 17 is not named after the self-absorbed billionaire who embodies its antagonist. Instead, this poignant and imaginative journey is named after an everyday individual who inadvertently finds himself aboard a spaceship, leading to a dramatic shift in his destiny.

Experience Robert Pattinson’s Unique Charm in Mickey 17 as He Embraces a Jackass Persona

The narrative backdrop of Mickey 17 is steeped in themes of global politics, economic disparity, and the manipulation of fear as a recruitment tactic. Central to this tale is the endearing and somewhat bumbling character, Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson. In a desperate bid to escape a relentless loan shark, Mickey takes on any job available to him in order to leave the planet, unwittingly signing up to become an “expendable” without fully understanding the implications of his contract. His fate is to serve as the space colony’s sole crash test dummy, facing death repeatedly in the name of scientific exploration, only to be resurrected each time with all his memories intact.

Despite the frequent encounters with death as part of his unusual routine, Mickey establishes a relationship with the spirited soldier Nasha, played by Naomi Ackie. After a mission takes an unexpected turn, he returns to find not just Nasha in their bed but another version of himself—Mickey 18, also portrayed by Pattinson. This version of Mickey was created under the assumption that Mickey 17 had perished. Unfortunately, “Multiples” are stigmatized, and their simultaneous existence poses a significant threat to both, risking permanent termination and the end of their human printings.

Similar to Tom Cruise’s character in Edge of Tomorrow (also known as Live Die Repeat), Pattinson’s portrayal of Mickey 17 infuses a sense of humor into the grim concept of repeated death, using a blend of physical comedy and an engaging score featuring playful piano and soft strings. However, unlike Cruise’s brash military PR figure, Pattinson’s Mickey 17 embodies a more relatable, daredevil spirit akin to a Jackass character.

In a conversation with Empire, Pattison shared that he aimed to channel the spirit of Jackass stars Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville while portraying both Mickeys. However, Bong ultimately rejected this idea. Nevertheless, fans of the iconic stunt and prank franchise might still detect echoes of Steve-O in Pattison’s raspy yet sincere voice. This clever nod subtly calls on Generation X and millennials to recall the endearing goofball who would risk everything for the sake of fun and entertainment. Mickey doesn’t see himself as a hero in this role; rather, he finds joy in simply being useful, often doubting his worth. In contrast, Mickey 18 presents a more rebellious and unpredictable demeanor, challenging authority with less restraint. For their survival, they must either collaborate or betray one another, leading to a thrilling upheaval within their space colony.

Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette Deliver a Satirical Twist on Trump in Mickey 17

Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette play Kenneth Marshall and his wife Ylfa in ‘Mickey 17.’
Credit: Warner Bros.

In this film, the talented performers Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette are expertly cast as the arrogant Kenneth Marshall and his devoted wife, Ylfa. While the inhabitants of the spaceship subsist on rationed, unappetizing gray slop and don uniforms that reflect their lowly status, this couple indulges in their extravagant lifestyle, flaunting their wealth in ostentatious outfits adorned with shiny embellishments and eye-catching colors that serve as a visual shock. Much like his approach in the sci-fi thriller Snowpiercer and the whimsical adventure Okja, Bong Joon Ho effectively contrasts the entitled elite, who believe their desires are their birthright, with the rugged yet lovable underclass, who endure on meager scraps.

Ruffalo fully embraces the absurdity of his role, sporting glaringly white veneers as he channels Trump’s signature sneer and unpredictable persona. Conversely, Collette’s portrayal of Ylfa may not directly mirror current political figures, but her obsession with opulence—reflected in her love for extravagant decor and exotic culinary delights—epitomizes the consumer-driven colonialism that Bong condemns throughout his body of work. Their exaggerated performances capture a certain madness, as this flamboyant couple pushes each other toward horrific actions in pursuit of their interstellar ambitions. Despite the futuristic setting of Mickey 17, the narrative feels alarmingly relevant to contemporary societal issues.

Discover How Mickey 17 Offers a Message of Hope Amidst Chaos

Robert Pattinson and Naomi Ackie play lovers in ‘Mickey 17.’
Credit: Warner Bros.

In Bong’s cinematic universe, cultural conflicts often unfold with a blend of dark humor and visually captivating genre elements, creating a sugary coating for the underlying serious themes. Mickey 17 himself emerges as a sweet-hearted hero, whose softness is often mocked by the more jaded crew members. Yet, this eclectic ensemble—including Ackie, Steven Yeun, and Patsy Ferran—brings their own charm to the narrative, featuring scenes filled with risqué humor, party antics, and even animal-like behaviors. All of this takes place within an alien environment populated by creatures that are an intriguing fusion of pill bugs and elephants—soft yet potentially formidable. Remarkably, these beings serve as a metaphor for Mickey 17, who, though underestimated, proves to be extraordinary in his own right. This serves as a vital lesson for viewers.

Mickey 17 may not be particularly exceptional in terms of intelligence or uniqueness, yet he is undeniably relatable, a simple person caught in a web of unfortunate choices. However, in Mickey 17, he becomes the unlikely hero, thrust into extraordinary circumstances that compel him to either adapt or perish. Importantly, adapting does not necessitate losing one’s softness, as exemplified by Mickey’s character. Through this narrative arc, Bong Joon Ho presents a glimmer of hope for those standing against oppressive powers.

The journey that Mickey undertakes is both unpredictable and exhilarating, deviating from the traditional trajectory of a sci-fi action film by embracing a softer, less action-oriented approach. Instead, Mickey 17 unfolds as a politically charged comedy with elements of cross-genre flair, ultimately urging audiences to recognize the parallels with their own lives and perhaps discover their inner Mickey 17.

Mickey 17 will premiere exclusively in theaters on March 7, 2025.