Mickey keeps coming back, but does the film leave a lasting mark?
SPOILERS
Runtime: 2 hrs 17 mins
Certification: 15
Genres: Dark Comedy, Sci-Fi
Robert Pattinson in Mickey 17 (2025) © Warner Bros. PicturesBong Joon Ho doesn’t usually play it safe. Look at Parasite, a film that thrives on social commentary, dark humour, and unexpected twists. Mickey 17 is no exception – a cerebral sci-fi film that explores identity, mortality, and the unsettling implications of cloning. But while it’s packed with intriguing ideas, there are some slight printing errors…
At the center of it all is Robert Pattinson, who delivers a wildly versatile performance as Mickey. He fully commits to the role(s), bringing a mix of wit, desperation, and existential dread. His performance carries much of the film, making even the slower moments compelling. Naomi Ackie also shines, with sharp comedic timing and a delivery that cuts through the film’s heavier themes. Her presence adds energy when the pacing starts to lag and injects a level of logic.
Mark Ruffalo’s character, however, never quite becomes as compelling as the film seems to think he is, leaving some of his scenes feeling flat. And while the concept of Mickey 17 is fascinating, the execution could have been stronger. I think spending more time with Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 before the chaos unfolds might have made their dynamic even more impactful, as it was so interesting seeing Pattinson play such stark roles so well.
The film’s themes, though relevant, felt a little too on the nose. The parallels Bong draws to real-world issues — exploitation, class struggle, and the value of an individual life — are clear and sometimes heavy-handed. The references to authoritarianism, with imagery reminiscent of Hitler, the swastika, and historical regimes, feel especially overt. Perhaps for a director making commentary on a foreign nation, there’s excitement in making those connections explicit, in using sci-fi as a lens to reexamine history rather than merely hint at it. But, as someone living in 2025, we’ve maybe seen it many times before in movies and reality.
That said, Mickey 17 isn’t entirely predictable. Joon-Ho still finds ways to subvert expectations, keeping the story engaging despite its flaws. It may not reach the heights of his best work, but it’s still an intriguing watch with strong performances and a thought-provoking premise.
Rushes. 
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