Mickey 17

Mickey 17

Mickey 17 (2025) marks the much-anticipated return of Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho. Known for his genre-bending work in Parasite, Bong takes a bold leap into high-concept science fiction with this adaptation of Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7. The film explores profound questions about identity, mortality, and exploitation within a futuristic, dystopian setting. It stars Robert Pattinson in a dual role that anchors the story's emotional and philosophical depth.

Set on the frozen, hostile planet Niflheim in the year 2054, the story follows Mickey Barnes, a man designated as an “Expendable.” In this world, Expendables are essentially disposable laborers used in dangerous space colonization missions. When one dies, a new clone is regenerated with the same memories. The twist occurs when Mickey 18 is printed before Mickey 17 has died, creating a rare and dangerous anomaly: two versions of the same person coexisting.

The heart of the film lies in this duality. Robert Pattinson’s performance as both Mickeys is subtle yet distinctive, capturing two perspectives of the same life under vastly different pressures. Mickey 17 is introspective and resigned, while Mickey 18 is assertive and questioning. The tension between them drives much of the plot, raising issues about individuality, the soul, and the morality of cloning.

Supporting the lead is a strong cast including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. Their characters, each embedded in the bureaucratic and authoritarian structure of the colony, help illustrate the broader themes of obedience, manipulation, and the machinery of control. However, some critics noted that a few supporting roles felt underwritten or overly exaggerated, particularly in tone.

Visually, Mickey 17 is stunning. Bong’s signature use of contrast—between sterile technology and decaying humanity—is ever-present. The icy, alien landscapes and sprawling interiors of the colony ship are beautifully rendered, offering a cold and oppressive backdrop to the deeply personal crisis at the film’s center. The visual style complements the story's psychological intensity while giving nods to classic sci-fi aesthetics.

Critical reception to the film was generally positive but mixed. Reviewers praised the film’s ambition, intellectual themes, and Pattinson’s dual performance. However, some pointed to uneven pacing and a tonal imbalance between satire, drama, and action. At times, the film leans heavily into absurdism, which might alienate viewers expecting a more grounded narrative.

Commercially, Mickey 17 performed modestly, earning just over its production budget. It wasn’t a blockbuster success but found a dedicated audience—especially among fans of thought-provoking science fiction. While it may not have achieved the mainstream impact of Bong's earlier films, it was widely appreciated for its originality and ambition.

In essence, Mickey 17 is a cerebral sci-fi tale that combines existential tension with social critique. Though flawed in parts, it’s a bold, imaginative work that challenges viewers to consider what makes us human—and what happens when that humanity becomes replicable.