“Mickey 17,” Bong Joon Ho’s science fiction black comedy film based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel, “Mickey7,” was released in theatres on March 7, 2025.
Robert Pattinson stars as Mickey Barnes, who joins an expedition to outer space as an “expendable,” or someone of little significance to society that is able to be abandoned. The actor is joined by Mark Ruffalo, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun and Toni Collette.
The movie was a hit in South Korea, however it was ultimately a worldwide box office disappointment. It grossed approximately $110 million globally, with $40 million in the United States and $70 million internationally.
According to Movieweb.com, the budget of “Mickey 17” was at least $120 million.
The reviews remain positive overall.
“’Mickey 17′ may not end up being the year’s best film, but it will undoubtedly become one of its most essential,” Sara Michelle Fetters, a critic on Rotten Tomatoes states.
Bong Joon Ho’s Style Shines
“Mickey 17” explores the theme of self-discovery through the many identities of the protagonist. He is forced to confront his past and understand the nature of his existence, which allows for a deeper exploration of what it means to be human, even in a world where his identity is fluid and disposable.
Fans of Bong Joon Ho know that his previous films (“Parasite,” “Okja,” “Memories of Murder” and more) discuss themes of social class through characteristics of dark comedy and tone shifts.
“I thought the movie was a really fun watch, and the overall message was great,” Eshaal Syed, a sophomore at JFK, states. “Bong Joon Ho is one of the best living directors, in my opinion, so there was no way this film was going to be bad. Although the first and second [acts] were amazing, I think the third act is where the writing, acting, and directing really [shine].
“Robert Pattinson and Naomi Ackie had amazing chemistry and played their characters extremely well, and Mark Ruffolo and Toni Collette were energetic and intimidating villains,” Syed added. “I just wish there was more Steven Yeun.”
What is “Mickey 17” about?
The film centers on Mickey Barnes, a “disposable” clone sent to colonize Niflheim, a distant, ice-covered planet. Niflheim is a world commonly associated with Norse mythology.
These clones are expendable, meaning that they are designed to be replaced when they die, with their memories wiped upon regeneration. Mickey’s life is regularly put at risk for the sake of his mission.
Each time he dies, a new version of himself is created. The cycle of life, death, rebirth and the fact that he is slowly regaining his memories with each death he experiences, arouses questions about his identity and what it truly means to be human.
As the movie progresses, Mickey contemplates his existence and even fights for a sense of autonomy in a world that views him as disposable.
“Humans will always be evil, as well in the future, and even when we make our way to space,” Bong Joon Ho states while being interviewed for The Atlantic. Mickey is “constantly being printed out and sent out to all these dangerous missions,” Bong said, “but no one feels guilty about it.”
Tensions rise as Mickey confronts both external threats from the harsh environment and the internal struggles regarding himself. With the film’s exploration of morality, technology and the human spirit, “Mickey 17” intellectually and emotionally engages audiences.
Performance, Visuals, and the Power of Storytelling
One of the films strengths is its stunning visuals. The alien landscape is beautifully rendered, creating a sense of isolation and wonder. The film shows off its intense, choreographed action sequences. The story keeps audiences guessing, layering suspense with shocking revelations that raise the stakes.
Pattinson also delivers a great performance, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He portrays the character with a combination of weariness, resilience and desperation. He effectively conveys Mickey’s personality while highlighting the character’s yearning for empathy and connection.
His performance subtly reveals the emotional toll of repeated death and regeneration, adding depth to what could have been a regular action role.
“I definitely was getting some references from anime and just in the kind of discordant mood changes,” Pattinson states in an interview during the Berlinale International Film Festival’s “Mickey 17” Press Conference. “Especially for ‘Mickey 18,’ where you just go from 0 to 100 incredibly quickly. I always really like that in anime, when you suddenly have someone entirely static and then suddenly they’re furious out of nowhere, and I think I was trying to do some kind of emulation of that, I guess.”
Yeun and Ackie, are supporting actors in the film, but aren’t there only to provide background. They provide views on their contrasting perspectives and relationships with Pattinson’s character. Their characters’ interactions with Mickey drive the plot and enforce the movie’s message.
Bong Joon Ho has once again proven his ability to blend entertainment with meaningful commentary, making a thought-provoking cinematic experience that challenges the lines between life and death, urging viewers to consider what makes individuals valuable in a technologically advanced future.
The Torch rates “Mickey 17” 4.5/5 stars.
