By Elliot Lines - March 7, 2025
Six years after the award-winning Parasite, director Bong Joon Ho returns to the sci-fi genre with Mickey 17. Robert Pattinson stars as Mickey Barnes, a member of a human expedition to colonize another planet. His role on the mission? An 'Expendable.' Each time Mickey dies, he is reprinted with most of his memories intact.
While Mickey 17 may not be Bong Joon Ho's finest work, there is much to admire in its exploration of identity through dark humour amongst a bleak sci-fi setting - one that allows Robert Pattinson to shine as he acts against himself.
Following up Parasite was always going to be a challenge, and incredibly, nearly six years have passed since the Oscar-winning film’s release. Bong Joon Ho is no stranger to sci-fi, having explored the genre in Snowpiercer and Okja, and Mickey 17 feels like a blend of both. With its bleak sci-fi setting, political undertones, and the presence of a large animal species, it is difficult not to see the similarities to his earlier works.
At the heart of the story is is Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), who in short terms is a scientific guinea-pig that gets re-printed each time he dies. However, when Mickey 17 unexpectedly survives and returns to the ship, he discovers that Mickey 18 has already been printed - an event known as 'Multiples', which is strictly outlawed in human cloning. Bong Joon Ho explores Mickey's identity crisis, tracing his journey from a nobody on Earth to his struggle in space - also looking at the complexities of love in this environment in the form of Sasha (Naomi Ackie). This exploration intensifies when Mickey 18 turns up, with the two clones having distinct personalities it forces them to grow together in unexpected ways.
Robert Pattinson is by far the standout here. Mickey 17 opens with a series of chronological clips narrated by Pattinson, offering glimpses into Mickey’s life. By the time the title drops, the film is ready to dive in, effectively bypassing the sometimes slow process of early character development. Pattinson’s voice work is an interesting choice—reminiscent of Steve Buscemi’s Fargo character, though he has stated this was unintentional. The real challenge comes when Mickey 18 appears, forcing Pattinson to act against himself for large portions of the film. This is where he truly excels, showcasing his range and ability to confidently portray two distinct variations of the same person.
Also delivering an intriguing performance is Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall, where the film’s political themes come into play. Last year, Sebastian Stan gave us his take on Trump, and it's hard not to notice a similar influence in Ruffalo’s portrayal.
For the most part, the film flows well, keeping things in motion with its array of eccentric personalities confined to the spaceship. However, there are moments where it doesn’t fully commit to its ideas—particularly in its love story. Mickey’s relationship with Sasha becomes more complicated after Mickey 18's arrival, and at one point, the film hints at introducing another love interest. Yet, it lingers on this subplot for an extended time, only for it to ultimately lead nowhere.
While Mickey 17 may not reach the heights of Parasite, Bong Joon Ho crafts a compelling and visually striking sci-fi film that explores identity, morality, and human ambition. Robert Pattinson delivers a standout performance, skilfully navigating the complexities of his dual role. Though the film stumbles at times—particularly in its love story—it remains engaging, blending dark humour, political themes, and existential dilemmas in a way that lingers long after the credits roll. Mickey 17 is an ambitious, if imperfect, return to the genre for Bong, further cementing his reputation as a director unafraid to push boundaries.
Out now in cinemas
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