Mickey 17 is a thrilling, thought-provoking sci-fi adventure that blends Bong Joon-ho’s signature social satire with a career-best dual performance from Robert Pattinson.
A Clone With a Conscience
Bong Joon-ho’s latest venture into the world of speculative fiction takes us to the frozen wasteland of Niflheim, where human colonists rely on a peculiar system to survive: Expendables. These workers take on deadly tasks, knowing that when they die, a new cloned version wakes up with their memories intact. Mickey Barnes (Pattinson) has gone through this cycle sixteen times, but when Mickey 17 survives a mission he wasn’t supposed to, things get messy. Now faced with an identical successor, he must fight to prove his worth and unravel a bigger conspiracy at play.
A Story of Identity and Survival
Mickey 17 isn’t just another sci-fi flick about cloning—it’s a razor-sharp examination of self-worth and corporate exploitation wrapped in a high-concept, darkly comedic package. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel, Bong Joon-ho crafts a narrative that’s equal parts existential crisis and workplace satire, exploring what happens when a person—literally—becomes disposable. Much like Snowpiercer before it, the film critiques class systems, but here, the divide isn’t just rich vs. poor—it’s replaceable vs. irreplaceable. Mickey’s journey is one of resistance, of fighting for the right to be more than just a piece of meat for the machine.
Double the Mickey, Double the Fun
Mickey 17 isn’t your typical hero—he’s snarky, self-aware, and oddly optimistic for a guy whose job description includes repeated, gruesome deaths. The story leans into his frustration as he confronts the cold bureaucracy that sees him as little more than a walking insurance policy.
Supporting characters like the unnerving Mickey duplicate and a smug, corporate higher-up (Mark Ruffalo) add layers to the conflict, while Naomi Ackie brings a welcome emotional core as Mickey’s partner Nasha, whose feelings are complicated by the fact that her boyfriend can literally be replaced overnight.
Robert Pattinson Steals the Show
If The Lighthouse and Good Time proved anything, it’s that Robert Pattinson thrives in weird, boundary-pushing roles. As Mickey, he dials up the humour, existential dread, and manic energy, making every version of his character distinct yet cohesive. His performance is a masterclass in duality—his two versions, Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, play off each other brilliantly, creating tension and humor in equal measure. The best moments come when both Mickeys are on-screen, arguing about which one deserves to exist—a bizarre yet surprisingly poignant debate.
Bong Joon-ho’s Masterful Direction
Bong Joon-ho is no stranger to blending genres, and Mickey 17 is a testament to his ability to weave deep social commentary into popcorn-friendly spectacle. His visual storytelling is as sharp as ever, using tight, sterile framing for the corporate environments and vast, desolate shots of Niflheim to emphasize the isolation of the Expendables. There’s a wry humour underpinning it all, a trait Bong honed in Parasite and Okja—the absurdity of Mickey’s predicament is played up just enough to keep things from becoming too bleak.
Sci-Fi That’s As Entertaining As It Is Smart
At its core, Mickey 17 is a blast to watch. It’s got action, intrigue, and just enough weirdness to keep things unpredictable. The film never lingers too long on heavy existentialism, balancing its heady themes with breakneck pacing and biting humor. Bong ensures that even as the film grapples with identity, corporate greed, and the nature of human consciousness, it remains a highly entertaining ride.
A Must-Watch Sci-Fi Experience
Mickey 17 is a bold, visually stunning, and thematically rich sci-fi thriller that proves Bong Joon-ho is still at the top of his game. With a standout dual performance from Robert Pattinson and a fresh take on cloning, this film is an absolute must-watch.
Fun Fact:
While it’s well known that Pattinson plays multiple versions of Mickey due to the cloning process, what many don’t realise is that director Bong Joon-ho insisted on filming certain key scenes without Pattinson knowing which version of Mickey he was playing until just before shooting. This method was meant to capture the confusion and existential dread of a clone struggling with his own identity, leading to some of the film’s most unsettling and raw performances.
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