An inter-planetary romp that’s as thrilling as it is thought-provoking, Mickey 17 is just what you'd expect from director Bong Joon Ho.
After his success with Parasite, trust director Bong to make an exciting movie for the box office that’s also laced with social commentary.
Set in a distant future, Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an “Expendable” clone assigned to a space colonization mission on an icy planet.
His job? Be a human lab rat that takes on deadly missions to help the human race survive in the new world.
And by deadly, we mean deadly—Mickey truly expires from the missions, but he is resurrected again and again using a human printer just so he can be sent to death once more.
On his 17th mission, Mickey is left for dead when he falls into a deep cave full of worm-like alien creatures. But he survives, and has to contend with the fact that he has been replaced with another Mickey clone.
Can he secretly coexist with a clone while questioning his identity and value? Will he be able to discover the dark truths behind his previous missions?
top-tier storytelling, stellar performances
Director Bong’s storytelling remains top-tier, blending thrilling sci-fi concepts with deep emotional and social resonance.
His ability to balance genres—whether it’s dark satire, high-concept sci-fi, or pure suspense—remains as sharp as ever.
His social commentary, a staple of his films, is present but less heavy-handed than in Parasite.
Mickey 17 explores themes of human labor exploitation, colonialism, and the ethical implications of cloning without feeling preachy—all of which are woven seamlessly into the narrative, allowing viewers to engage with them naturally.
Robert Pattinson also proves, once again, why he’s one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood.
Playing both Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, he brings distinct personalities to each, effortlessly switching between them.
Mickey 17 is clueless and a bit slow, while Mickey 18 is dark and brooding.
It’s a bit unbelievable that both are played by the same Twilight actor.
Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette also shine here.
Their characters feel strikingly relevant to the times, like they are satirizing the powerful but borderline insane autocrats that we see on the news daily.
While these roles may feel familiar, their portrayals remain sharp and refreshing.
breathtaking visuals
Visually, Mickey 17 is stunning.
The frozen landscapes of the icy planet are breathtaking, reminiscent of Bong's 2013 film Snowpiercer but even more immersive.
The director’s signature ability to make dystopian settings feel eerily believable is on full display in Mickey 17.
The special effects, especially in the action sequences, are also top-notch, adding to the film’s sense of realism.
As for the creature design, the balance between scary and cute is remarkable. The worm-like creatures, although creepy-looking, feel like they will be perfect as pets that you’d want to cuddle.
One of the biggest surprises of Mickey 17 is how genuinely funny it is.
Bong balances the film’s sci-fi thriller elements with sharp, well-timed humor. The comedic timing, paired with Pattinson’s delivery, makes for some laugh-out-loud moments that contrast beautifully with the film’s darker themes.
If there’s one critique to be made, it’s that some of Bong’s long-time fans might find certain elements familiar.
The idea of a creature being exploited by those in power echoes the 2017 film Okja, while the heavy snow setting brings back memories of Snowpiercer.
In a way, it feels like he has used these ideas before—and one could wonder why he keeps going back to them.
Nevertheless, Mickey 17 is an exhilarating mix of sci-fi, comedy, and social critique.
With outstanding performances—especially from Pattinson—a gripping plot, and breathtaking visuals, Bong Joon Ho has once again crafted a film that will keep audiences talking long after the credits roll.
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