The Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho has delivered his first movie since the Oscar-winning Parasite six years ago, and it’s a great, big, slightly soft-edged, sci-fi fantasy. Adapted by Bong from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, it starsRobert Pattinsonas a bio-clone menial worker of the future condemned to eternal life, or eternal death, by being repeatedly killed in the service of a space exploration corporation doing fatally dangerous jobs and then reincarnated.It’s a broad-brush futurist satire on the theme of Elon Musk-type tech bros who say that whining about the environment is for libtards because we’re all shooting off for space really soon, where there have to be viable planets somewhere, and any current alien inhabitants are expendable – as indeed are the working humans who are getting us out to new worlds.Mickey 17 is something in the style of hisSnowpiercer(2013) orOkja(2017), and Bong’s “creature feature” reflex is an extravagant style that’s been enjoyable in the past. Mickey 17 is visually spectacular, with some very sharp, angular moments of pathos and horror – maybe inevitably, these come in the first act when the bizarrely shocking premise is established and before the story grinds more sympathetically into gear. But at two hours and 17 minutes, this is a baggy and sometimes loose film whose narrative tendons are a bit slack sometimes; the panto-villain turns from Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette sometimes make it look – not unpleasantly, in fact – like a kids’ TV special.Pattinson plays Mickey Barnes, a hapless loser who owes money to terrifying loan sharks, along with his equally rackety business partner Timo (Steven Yeun). To escape these goons, Mickey and Timo sign on for a dangerous interplanetary expedition masterminded by a creepy populist-plutocrat with shiny teeth and slicked-back hair: Kenneth Marshall (Ruffalo) and his lady wife Ylfa (Collette); their presence reminds us of Bong’s apparent interest in Roald Dahl.View image in fullscreenMark Ruffalo and Toni Colette in the film.Photograph: Jonathan Olley/© 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights ReservedThey blast off into space where poor, stupid Mickey agrees to be an “expendable”: he has to do all the suicidally dangerous jobs because when he dies, his body is just disposed of and a new one is bio-printed with all memories and personality reinstalled – something Mickey accepts with stoic humility. The crisis comes as the ship approaches a likely looking planet whose “creeper” inhabitants, like giant fanged insects, have to be exterminated; Mickey himself, on his 17th incarnation, falls in love with fellow crew member Nasha (Naomi Ackie), but things are complicated when Mickey fails to die as anticipated and must live alongside a new version – Mickey 18, a “duplicate” who is as ruthless and violent as Mickey 17 is gentle and kind.It’s a strange story in its way, like a sci-fi horror in which all the horror, as well as all the cynicism and pessimism, has been removed. For all the bizarre violence and gross-out display, Mickey 17 has a kind of optimism operating against the fear, and we can feel the happy ending’s eventual arrival – although with this running time, it’s a long way off. There is, however, a weird moment when one of the creepy creatures appears to suck on a crew-member’s face – the visual echo of Ridley Scott’s Alien is a reminder of something leaner, meaner and darker.View image in fullscreenNaomi Ackie and Robert Pattinson in the film.Photograph: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights ReservedPerhaps the most interesting part of the film is something on which Bong spends least time: the fact that Mickey knows something of which the rest of humanity is ignorant. The crew keep asking him: what is it like to die? Is it a feeling, an experience? Do you remember it afterwards? It has happened to him 16 times. Surely he knows the answer to this by now? Or is the eternally living, eternally dying Mickey as clueless on the subject as everyone else?Pattinson’s saturnine look gives something mysterious to the role, but in years gone by Bong could just as well as have cast Tom Hanks and encouraged him to go into Forrest Gump mode. It’s eerie, startling – and yet also unexpectedly benign.Mickey 17 is premiering at theBerlin film festivaland opens in the UK on 18 April
Mickey 17 review – Robert Pattinson proves expendable in Bong Joon-ho’s eerily cheery cloning drama
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17 Explores Cloning and Existential Themes in Sci-Fi Setting"
The Guardian
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Bong Joon-ho returns to the cinematic landscape with his first film since the acclaimed Parasite, presenting Mickey 17, a visually rich sci-fi fantasy adapted from Edward Ashton's novel Mickey7. The film stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, a bio-clone worker doomed to repetitively die and be resurrected for a space exploration corporation. This narrative serves as a satirical commentary on contemporary tech moguls who dismiss environmental concerns in favor of interplanetary colonization, viewing both alien life forms and human workers as expendable. The film's tone oscillates between dark humor and a broader critique of society’s reckless pursuit of progress, reminiscent of Bong's previous works like Snowpiercer and Okja. While the film features moments of sharp emotional impact, it often feels overextended, as its two-hour and seventeen-minute runtime allows for narrative slackness that detracts from its initial gripping premise.
As the plot unfolds, Mickey and his business partner Timo, portrayed by Steven Yeun, find themselves embroiled in a perilous expedition led by Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and his wife Ylfa (Toni Collette). Mickey, accepting his role as an “expendable,” faces existential dilemmas when he unexpectedly survives, leading to the emergence of a more ruthless version of himself, Mickey 18. This twist adds a layer of complexity to the story as Mickey navigates feelings for fellow crew member Nasha (Naomi Ackie). While the film incorporates elements of horror through its bizarre and grotesque imagery, it ultimately maintains a sense of optimism, suggesting a hopeful resolution despite its dark themes. The film also raises intriguing questions about mortality and consciousness, particularly through Mickey's unique experiences with death, offering a poignant exploration of what it means to truly live. Mickey 17 is set to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival and opens in the UK on April 18, 2025, showcasing Bong's distinctive style and thematic depth once again.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The review of "Mickey 17" highlights several aspects of Bong Joon-ho's latest film, including its themes, narrative style, and the performances of the cast. The commentary suggests a mix of admiration and criticism, reflecting both the film's ambitious scope and its potential shortcomings.
Purpose of the Article
The review aims to provide an insightful critique of "Mickey 17," showcasing both its strengths and weaknesses. By emphasizing the film's satirical elements on contemporary issues like tech-driven environmental neglect and the expendability of human labor, the article seeks to engage readers in a broader conversation about societal values and technological advancement.
Public Perception
This article may evoke a sense of intrigue among audiences who appreciate Bong Joon-ho's previous work, notably "Parasite." By drawing parallels between the film's themes and real-world figures like Elon Musk, it encourages critical thinking about the implications of space exploration and cloning in the modern context. The reviewer also suggests a playful, almost whimsical tone, which might appeal to a younger audience while also catering to those who enjoy deeper thematic explorations.
Potential Omissions
While the article addresses many facets of the film, it might downplay the broader implications of cloning and the ethical dilemmas associated with it. By focusing heavily on humor and light-hearted critiques, the review potentially glosses over the darker themes inherent in the story, such as the moral cost of technological advancement.
Reliability
The review appears to be grounded in the film's actual content and thematic elements, making it a reliable source for understanding "Mickey 17." However, the subjective nature of film critique means that it reflects the author's personal interpretations, which can vary from other reviews.
Comparative Analysis
When comparing this review to others in the film critique landscape, it stands out for its unique emphasis on humor and satire. While many reviews may focus solely on plot and acting, this one delves into societal commentary, making it a potentially more engaging read for those interested in deeper analyses of film.
Societal Impact
The themes explored in "Mickey 17" may resonate with current discussions about technology, environmentalism, and corporate ethics, potentially influencing public discourse. As audiences reflect on the film's messages, it could spark conversations about real-world parallels, particularly among viewers concerned about the future of humanity in the face of rapid technological change.
Target Audience
This review seems to appeal to a diverse audience that includes fans of science fiction, social commentary, and Bong Joon-ho's previous works. It may particularly attract younger viewers interested in the intersection of technology and ethics, as well as those who appreciate a blend of humor with serious themes.
Market Implications
While this film review may not directly impact stock markets, it could influence the performance of production companies associated with Bong Joon-ho and similar genres. Positive reception may lead to increased interest in related projects or adaptations, potentially benefiting those companies financially.
Geopolitical Context
The film's exploration of space colonization and the expendability of life may have indirect implications in geopolitical discussions about technology and resource allocation. As nations consider the ethics of space exploration, "Mickey 17" could serve as a cultural lens through which these issues are examined.
Use of AI in Writing
The possibility of AI involvement in crafting this review cannot be ruled out, especially in generating succinct summaries or thematic analyses. If AI was utilized, it likely focused on emphasizing key themes and maintaining an engaging tone. However, any manipulative intent in using AI would depend on the underlying motivations of the publication. In conclusion, while the review of "Mickey 17" provides a thoughtful analysis of the film's narrative and thematic elements, it is also shaped by the author's subjective lens. This makes it a valuable piece for readers seeking to understand the film's context and implications, even as it may overlook certain darker themes inherent in the story.