In Writer and Director Bong Joon Ho’s Mikey 17, it’s the dystopian society of 2054. Bong Joon Ho’s screenplay is based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mikey 17. Robert Pattinson stars as Mikey 17, who is an Expendable. Expendables are disposable human beings, who perform fatal missions, only to be recycled or cloned when they die, with their previous memories restored. Mikey 17 is the 17th iteration of Mikey within close approximation.
To escape from mobsters, who Mikey owes money for a failed macaroon business, he signs up for the 4.5-year space colony expedition to the frozen Planet Niflheim. Two-time Senate loser Kenneth Marshall, played with remarkable stupidity by Mark Ruffalo, and his wife Yifa, played with hysterical menace by Toni Collette, lead the colonization to create their own Master Race. The colonists comprise their bizarre cult. Outwardly perfect Kai, played by beautiful smart Anamaria Vartolomei, is one of Marshall’s innocent minions in his grand procreation strategy.
Kai asks Mikey 17, “What is like… dying?”
Mikey 17 poignantly says, “It’s scary. Still. Always. Every time.” He says that knowing he comes back as his next iteration after his death.
The compelling existential narrative of Bong Joon Ho’s Mikey 17: What is it like to die? There’s no real answer to that question. At least, I believe not. Who knows? The Third Noble Truth of Buddhism is the end of suffering. All suffering ends with death. We all die. That’s the human design. Bong Joon Ho offers his touching resolution to that question in his dark twisted humor and surprising heart. Robert Pattinson amazes as Mikey 17 and 18 in defining that.
As Mikey 17, opens Mikey 17 falls into an ice cave on Niflheim. His death appears immanent. However, the indigenous Creepers, shelled multilegged creatures, save Mikey 17 and return him to the planet’s surface. Believing that Mikey 17 died, the ship’s scientists generate Mikey 18, anyway.
In the weird cloning glitch, where Mikey 17 is kind and gentle, the new Mikey 18 is distinctly bold and angry. They’re the Yin and Yang of Mikey Barnes, the little boy who blamed himself for his Mother’s tragic death. Mikey 17’s lover security officer Nasha, played by strong and beautiful Naomi Ackie, knows the difference. She enjoys that difference, too. However, “multiples” are illegal under Kenneth Marshall’s watch.
Robert Pattinson is brilliantly sublime distinguishing the darker yin Mikey 18 and lighter yang Mikey 17. Robert embodies their accents, their spirits. When Mikey 18 beats the shit out of Mikey 17, he asks, “Are you afraid to die?” Mike 17 cries, “Kinda. Yeah.” He explains, “Once I die. It will be over for me. It will be you living on.” Mikey 18 despises the weaker Mikey 17, his weaker self. He tells 17, “I’m not you! I’m not going to live like you!” In that way, Mikey 17 and 18 are like all of us inside.
It’s yang Mikey 17’s gentleness that Nasha fell in love with. It’s his kindness that the Creepers trust as an ally. It’s yin Mikey 18’s hard edged courage that transforms him into the selfless hero. Mikey 17 and Mikey 18 are still Mikey Barnes, who is the good, kind, brave man inside. Robert Pattinson’s vulnerable humanity shades the nuanced lightness and darkness in Mikey 17 and 18. More than the stunning visuals and effects, Robert’s sublime presence elevates Mikey 17.
In Mikey 17, dying is always scary. Still, Nasha was always with Mikey as he died. She loved him always. He loved her always. Mikey never dies alone. Perhaps, the greatest gift in life is having someone who unconditionally loves you. Everyone dies. We don’t have to die alone. Maybe, that makes dying not as scary. That makes Mikey 17 something special.
