MICKEY 17 REVIEW
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Robert Pattinson shines in this off the wall slightly odd ball sci-fi film which has a strong political message! Really enjoyed R Patts in this role!
Last night, I was lucky enough to attend an early screening of Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho’s new sci-fi film starring Robert Pattinson and Mark Ruffalo, alongside an incredible supporting cast. The film is fantastic—engaging, thought-provoking, and surprisingly funnier than I expected. My last experience with a Bong Joon-ho film was much more serious, so the humor in Mickey 17 caught me off guard in the best way. That said, while the film is often lighthearted, it carries a serious and thought-provoking undertone.
The story follows Mickey, a down-on-his-luck man on Earth who signs up for a colonisation mission in space. He becomes an “expendable”—someone assigned to perform dangerous tasks for the government, such as testing hazardous environments. When he dies, he’s simply reprinted as a clone, hence the title Mickey 17. However, things take a turn when two versions of Mickey exist simultaneously, which is strictly forbidden. The contrast between Mickey 17, who is soft, charming, and childlike, and Mickey 18, who is cold, serious, and borderline unhinged, creates a fascinating dynamic.
Robert Pattinson is phenomenal in this dual role. His ability to distinguish between the two versions of Mickey is remarkable, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he earns an Oscar nomination for Best Actor or Best Supporting Actor. Mark Ruffalo is another standout—his character is incredibly irritating in a way that’s entirely intentional. He perfectly embodies a figure that feels eerily familiar, clearly inspired by real-world political figures.
The film blends humor with political satire, touching on themes like colonisation, purity, and societal hierarchies. Without giving too much away, there are definite parallels to both past and present global politics, making the film as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Visually, Mickey 17 is stunning. Seeing it in IMAX is an absolute must, as the cinematography and effects are breathtaking. If there’s one downside, it’s the pacing. At times, the film builds great momentum only to slow down unexpectedly, making some conversations drag more than necessary. While a bit jarring, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience.
Despite these minor pacing issues, Mickey 17 is an excellent film. It’s engaging, funny, and visually spectacular, with strong performances across the board. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend seeing it on the biggest screen possible.
Peace.
