"Clone Wars, Class Wars, and Saucy Politics in Space"
In this episode, Dave Canfield and Michael Cockerill dive into Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho's long-anticipated follow-up to Parasite. Set on a frozen alien planet, this satirical sci-fi tale stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, a worker cloned repeatedly for hazardous missions — until one version survives and meets his successor.
The Bong Joon-ho Cinematic Universe
From Snowpiercer to Parasite to Barking Dogs Never Bite, how Bong's signature blend of class critique, dark comedy, and genre-bending plays out in Mickey 17.
Cinematography with Darius Khondji
A breakdown of the film's visual tone, comparisons to Snowpiercer, High Life, and why the images may not quite match Bong's past visual highs.
Robert Pattinson's Multiverse of Performances
Dave and Mike celebrate Pattinson's career choices — from The Lighthouse to The Batman — and how he brings depth and humor to not one but two Mickeys.
Satire, Teeth, and Mark Ruffalo as a Space Trump
A closer look at the film's political commentary, from Ruffalo's MAGA-esque cult leader to Toni Collette's obsession with sauces and the absurdity of elite culture.
The Cloning Conundrum & Worker Exploitation
Is Mickey 17 an empathy machine? The hosts explore themes of expendability, labor value, and late-stage capitalism through the lens of sci-fi cloning.
Comparisons & Influences
The episode draws parallels to Moon, Us, High Life, The Empire Strikes Back, and even American Psycho — all filtered through Bong's singular vision.
"Bong Joon-ho makes movies about people trapped in systems that don't value them."
"Toni Collette's sauce obsession might be the most disturbing metaphor in the film."
"It's like High Life with a hint of hope."
This might not hit the same heights as Parasite or Snowpiercer, but it's still sharp, visually compelling, and deeply Bong. The Mindframes hosts both rate it 4 out of 5 Mickeys — and recommend seeing it on the biggest screen you can.
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