Bong Joon Ho's latest film, Mickey 17, has been making waves with its thought-provoking commentary on workers' rights in the context of space exploration. The film, adapted from Edward Ashton's 2022 novel Mickey 7, tells the story of Mickey Barnes, a simpleton who becomes an expendable, a menial worker who gets cloned every time they die on the job, in a futuristic world where Earth is ravaged by catastrophic weather conditions.

In this grim vision of the future, many people have come to support failed presidential candidate Kenneth Marshall's plan to leave Earth and colonize other worlds. Mickey, played by Robert Pattinson, signs up to become an expendable without reading the fine print, securing him a spot on Marshall's voyage. However, as Mickey navigates the dangers of space exploration, he begins to sense that there's something off about Marshall's plans and the treatment of expendables.

The film is a clear commentary on the exploitation of labor, with Marshall, played by Mark Ruffalo, representing the egotistical billionaires who see themselves as saviors but are actually assholes who should not be trusted. Mickey's character, with his charming goofiness, serves as a relatable everyman, highlighting the struggles of workers in the face of oppressive systems.

Bong Joon Ho's direction brings a sense of humor to the film, with intentional sweatiness and dark comedy that takes some of the bite out of its social commentary. The film's horniness and moments of gore also serve to underscore the real challenges that come with deep space exploration. Despite some uneven plotlines, the film's central message about the responsibility workers have to value themselves shines through, making it a timely story for our current moment.

Mickey 17 also stars Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Daniel Henshall, among others. The film is now in theaters, offering a thought-provoking commentary on workers' rights and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

In conclusion, Mickey 17 is a film that meets the moment, articulating what's on many of our minds in this tumultuous political climate. With its timely commentary on workers' rights and its exploration of the challenges of space exploration, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in thought-provoking science fiction.