REVIEW - Mickey 17 (2025)

I had the opportunity to catch an advanced screening of Mickey 17, and from start to finish, it’s clear that Bong Joon Ho has once again crafted something both visually stunning and thematically rich. With Mickey 17, he takes the well-worn sci-fi concept of cloning and reinvention and turns it into an emotionally charged, darkly comedic, and suspenseful experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Based on the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, the film follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an “expendable” crew member on a colonization mission to the frozen planet Niflheim. His job? To take on the most dangerous tasks, knowing that every time he dies, his consciousness is uploaded into a new body, making him effectively immortal. But when Mickey 17—the latest iteration—returns after being presumed dead, he discovers that a new Mickey has already taken his place. This sets off a mind-bending existential crisis, forcing Mickey to question his own identity, worth, and whether he’s truly replaceable.

Pattinson delivers what might be one of the best performances of his career—a nuanced and layered portrayal that perfectly captures Mickey’s growing sense of unease and determination. It’s a role that demands subtlety, humor, and emotional depth, and Pattinson brings all of that and more. But he’s not the only standout. Mark Ruffalo, in particular, is brilliant in his own uniquely zany way, injecting an offbeat, almost unsettling energy into the film that adds to the weirdness of the world Bong Joon Ho has created. His performance is both unpredictable and captivating, making his character an unforgettable presence in the story.

The supporting cast, including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, and Toni Collette, all bring strong performances that help ground the film’s more high-concept ideas. Each character adds depth to the world of Niflheim, making the colony feel like a real, struggling society rather than just a futuristic backdrop.

Visually, Mickey 17 is nothing short of breathtaking. Bong Joon Ho, known for his masterful ability to blend genre storytelling with sharp social commentary, creates a stark yet mesmerizing depiction of an off-world colony teetering on the edge of collapse. The contrast between the cold, industrial environment and the eerie loneliness of space reinforces the film’s central theme—what does it mean to be truly human when your own existence can be reset at will?

Tonally, the movie is a perfect mix of dark comedy, existential dread, and high-stakes sci-fi adventure. Bong’s signature ability to balance humor with deeper thematic elements is on full display here, giving the film an unpredictable energy that keeps you engaged even in its quieter, more contemplative moments.

While the film delivers a thrilling ride, there are moments where the pacing slows down, particularly in the second act. Some of the story’s bigger philosophical questions are left unanswered, but rather than feeling incomplete, this ambiguity serves to keep the audience thinking long after leaving the theater. Mickey 17 isn’t about delivering easy answers—it’s about making you question everything you thought you knew about identity, purpose, and the cost of human ambition.

At a crisp 117 minutes, the film moves swiftly, offering just the right balance of introspection and action. Bong Joon Ho once again proves that he is one of the most exciting directors working today, seamlessly blending thought-provoking storytelling with stunning visuals and standout performances.

With Mickey 17 hitting theaters on March 7, 2025, this is one sci-fi film you’ll want to experience on the big screen. Whether you’re a fan of Bong Joon Ho’s past work, love thought-provoking sci-fi, or just want to see Robert Pattinson and Mark Ruffalo deliver two of the most compelling performances of the year, Mickey 17 is absolutely worth the watch.

*Mickey 17 includes a Wilhelm Scream!*