Mickey 17 Review: Story: Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) is a total slacker who, following his buddy Timo’s (Steven Yeun) suggestion, borrows cash from a shady loan shark. When his macron business goes belly up, the shark comes knocking for his money. In a panic to escape, the duo signs up for a space expedition, but Mickey unwittingly agrees to be an expendable. His role? To die and be resurrected using a human printing machine, picking up right where he left off. Things get wild when Mickey 18 is created in the lab, but Mickey 17, thought to be dead, is still kicking, leading to a major issue with Multiples—something that's strictly forbidden on their planet. Now, they’re on the chopping block, and it’s up to Mickey 17 to protect his identity and stop the villainous Kenneth Marshal (Mark Ruffalo) from wiping out Niflheim’s creepers.

Mickey 17 Review:

The quality of films that are packed with metaphors and meaningful messages while still being entertaining enough for those who don’t want to dig deep into the art is truly remarkable. Not many writers and directors have this talent, and the few who do are busy creating some amazing movies. Take "Parasite," for instance—it’s a perfect example of this kind of writing. It served as a thrilling ride for mainstream audiences while also delivering a sharp satire for those looking for something deeper, appealing to both groups at once. Bong Joon-ho really showed why he’s a genius in this field, and we all cheered for him. Now, after a few years and an Oscar win, he’s back with a new film featuring a big star like Robert Pattinson. Will he stick to his signature style or try something completely new?

The answer is that he stays true to his roots while also bringing in fresh ideas. This filmmaker is bold enough to create a satire that mirrors real-life leaders in a way that might take a second to sink in. Just as a wealthy mogul is pushing for space travel in real life, dismissing anyone who disagrees as foolish, Bong Joon-ho adapts Edward Ashton’s novel "Mickey7." It tells the story of a guy who volunteers to be disposable because life on Earth has been so tough that even dying multiple times seems better. "Mickey 17" really takes off right after the trailer ends, revealing there’s so much more to this film than what we initially see. 

There’s definitely a lot more going on in the movie than what you might initially see. But honestly, Mickey 17 is still super engaging and fun, even if you’re not digging deep into its themes. It feels like a Space Odyssey that’s gone off the rails because the main guy in charge is clueless about what he’s really getting people into. His only qualification? He’s got money. So, when Barnes keeps meeting his end or when Marshal pretends to care, you’re still hooked, even if you’re not fully catching the deeper message.

Bong Joon-ho uses Mickey 17 to dive into the concept of identity. It touches on the immigrant experience and the struggle of being caught between those who exploit and those who are exploited. Marshal, played by Ruffalo, is all about creating a ‘Pure Settlement,’ which, for him, means only the wealthy are welcome. He’s also slick enough to make the working class think they’ll get a piece of the pie, while he secretly plans to keep it all for himself because he believes they don’t ‘deserve’ a spot at his table. Even if they do, they’re just there to be his test subjects. A wild scene unfolds when Mickey 17 gets invited to a dinner that’s really just an experiment on him. At this point, everyone’s forgotten he was ever human, just a data-less being doomed to be recreated over and over.

So, when he’s on the verge of death and throwing up, the first thing on Marshal’s wife’s mind is saving her fancy carpet that she brought from Earth to Niflheim. In that moment, Joon-ho reveals how identity is stripped away by capitalism, turning the working class into mere cattle. The layers of oppression and destruction are laid bare, showing how the rich thrive while the working class struggles for them—it’s chilling. You might find yourself chuckling at Mickey 17’s plight until you realize that Marshal is actually mocking you from the screen.

There's a lot to unpack in Mickey 17, and I definitely need to watch it again soon. The film critiques how humans claim everything around them while labeling the locals as 'aliens,' when in fact, we’re the real outsiders. It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles over borders worldwide. “Eradicate the alien creatures,” says Marshal, to which Nasha responds, “They aren’t the aliens here, but we are.” This simple yet chilling exchange highlights how greed has consumed humanity. Bong Joon-ho’s ability to convey this message while still making you laugh is a rare gift that deserves daily recognition.

While Parasite focused on rebellion through crime, Mickey 17 emphasizes the strength of community. Imagine if the locals united to fight against the true aliens trying to take what rightfully belongs to them? The visually breathtaking climax is a real treat. Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes gives one of the standout performances of the year. He plays a dual role with such skill that it’s hard to believe you haven’t seen him do this before. It makes you wish he’d take on more roles like this, as he effortlessly navigates two sides of the same character.

And speaking of impressive, Mark Ruffalo is so committed to his role as Marshal that you can’t miss the conviction in his performance. He balances ruthlessness and humor in a way that not many actors can pull off. Don’t be surprised if he walks away with a bunch of awards next season. The rest of the cast, including Naomi Ackie and Steven Yeun, also shine in their roles.

Mickey 17 isn't quite as flawless as Parasite. There are moments where the story makes some big leaps that feel a bit off. The romantic elements can seem a bit out of place at times. However, the way the drama and themes come together really helps to mask these flaws.

Mickey 17 Review: Conclusion

Bong Joon-ho's unique storytelling style is definitely worth diving into, as he has a knack for weaving two narratives together like no one else. Robert Pattinson is absolutely killing it right now, and the fact that he’s stepping into the role of Batman after this incredible performance is enough to get anyone hyped.

Mickey 17 is set to hit Indian theaters on March 7, 2025. Keep an eye on OTTplay for updates on this and all things streaming and cinema.

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