Bong Joon-ho’s *Mickey 17* explores themes of class division and existentialism through a science fiction lens. The film follows Mickey Barnes, a “disposable” employee on a human expedition to colonize the ice planet Niflheim. Mickey’s job involves undertaking dangerous missions, knowing that upon death, he will be regenerated with most of his memories intact. Each regeneration is designated with a new number (e.g., Mickey17), but with each iteration, something is invariably lost or altered.
The premise sets up a scenario where the elite colonists readily sacrifice the expendable Mickey for their own benefit, highlighting a stark social hierarchy. The story delves into the psychological impact of repeated deaths and rebirths on Mickey, questioning the nature of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human. As Mickey experiences multiple lives and deaths, he begins to question his role and the morality of his existence, forcing him to confront the ethical implications of his disposability and the purpose of the colony. The film promises to blend dark humor with social commentary, mirroring Bong Joon-ho’s previous works like *Parasite* and *Snowpiercer*, offering a critique of societal inequalities and exploring the human condition in extreme circumstances.
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