Mickey 17 (Bong, 2025)

Written by Maria Paula Acosta

Nearly six years after Parasite (2019) was released, Korean director Bong Joon-ho returns with Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collete, and Mark Ruffalo, a science fiction proposal that defies all expectations and immerses us in a dark comedy, with a release timing that's more fitting than ever.

Adapted from Edward Ashton's 2022 novel Mickey 17, the film follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) and his friend Timo (Steven Yeun), who, after a failed business venture that leaves them financially destitute, join the crew of a spaceship bound for the planet Niflheim to escape a loan shark. Timo serves as a pilot, while Mickey is an 'Expandable'—a person forced into deadly missions where his life is considered disposable. Each time he dies, he is “reprinted” using forbidden cloning technology, adding a dark twist to his already perilous existence. The story takes a dramatic turn when Mickey 17 is presumed dead after an encounter with the 'creepers.' However, he returns to find that Mickey 18 is already living his life.

This premise paves the way for a darkly comedic exploration of what it means to be human, delving into the emotional and philosophical consequences of cloning. In this dystopian universe, Bong expands his vision on class struggle and questions human ethics, striking a balance between tension and humor while creating an engaging narrative. The release of Mickey 17 feels perfectly timed, highlighting the fine line between reality and fiction. In the film, Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo), a wannabe dictator with a warped sense of reality, relies on his wife Ylfa (Toni Collette), the true mastermind behind his decisions. Upon arriving on a new planet, they act as if they own it, seeking to displace or eliminate the life that already exists—drawing eerie parallels to current politics.

Pattinson shines on screen, delivering a standout performance as he plays different versions of himself with a sense of frustration and vulnerability (I’d personally give him both Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor if it were up to me). In recent years, Pattinson has proven himself to be a versatile actor with a keen ability to choose challenging roles. The supporting cast also brings depth, with Naomi Achie (Nasha) providing an emotional balance as she builds a romantic relationship with Mickey, and Collette and Ruffalo who add a perfect touch with their unmatched comedic timing.

Mickey 17 is visually stunning, bringing a futuristic world to life. Bong not only delivers a sharp political satire but also stays true to his themes of inequality and social class. While the film feels a bit overstuffed towards the end, it doesn’t diminish the enjoyment. Mickey 17 left me reflecting on the future we're heading toward and made me realize how closely it mirrors our current situation. Once again, Bong has delivered. I can’t wait to see what his future projects will bring.