Mickey 17

Introduction

I decided to review Mickey 17 because I’m a fan of sci-fi movies and this one had a really interesting story that caught my attention. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Parasite. It stood out to me not only because of its futuristic concept but also due to its mix of dark humor, cloning, and social commentary. The idea of a man being repeatedly cloned every time he dies is both thought-provoking and emotionally intense. The film has also gained a lot of attention in the media because of its cast, especially Robert Pattinson in the lead role, and Bong’s reputation for pushing genre boundaries.

Summary

Mickey 17 is a science fiction film released in March 2025, directed by Bong Joon-ho and based on the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. The movie follows the story of Mickey Barnes, a disposable worker known as an “Expendables” who is sent on dangerous missions that usually result in death. Every time he dies, a new clone is created with his memories. After dying and coming back several times, Mickey begins to question his role, his identity, and whether his life has any real meaning. Things take a turn when a new clone is made while the old one is still alive, forcing him to confront himself, literally.

Bong Joon-ho, known for his smart social commentary and unique style, brings a mix of dark humor, futuristic visuals, and emotional depth to the story. This is Bong’s first major sci-fi project in English since Snowpiercer, and fans were excited to see his take on a story about cloning, corporate power, and survival. Despite the anticipation surrounding Bong's return to science fiction, Mickey 17 experienced a modest box office performance. The film opened with $19 million domestically and, as of May 2025, has grossed approximately $132 million worldwide.

Analyzation

Mickey 17 stands out in Bong Joon-ho’s body of work because it is his most ambitious science fiction project to date. While he has explored sci-fi before in Snowpiercer, Mickey 17 leans deeper into themes of cloning, identity, and corporate control. Both films deal with how humans are treated as disposable in systems that value profit over people, but Mickey 17 takes a more personal approach by focusing on the emotional toll of being “replaceable.”

Compared to other films in the sci-fi genre, Mickey 17 shares similarities with Ex Machina and Blade Runner 2049. Like those films, it explores what it means to be human through a mix of futuristic technology and ethical questions. However, Bong’s version of sci-fi includes moments of dark humor and subtle social critique, which is something that sets his work apart.

Interpretation

At its core, Mickey 17 is a story about identity, purpose, and the value of human life. The film asks a powerful question: if a person can be cloned endlessly, does their life actually matter? Through Mickey’s repeated deaths and resurrections, the movie explores how we define ourselves, are we just our memories, or something more?

The message seems to challenge the idea of people being treated as disposable, whether in a futuristic space colony or in the real world. The company that clones Mickey sees him as just a tool, not a person. This can be seen as a reflection of how some people in society feel used or overlooked, especially in jobs where they’re seen as easily replaceable.

Evaluation

Overall, Mickey 17 is a fascinating and visually impressive film, even if it didn’t perform as well as expected at the box office. Bong Joon-ho once again proved he’s a director who likes to challenge audiences, blending science fiction with emotional depth and social commentary. The performances, especially from Robert Pattinson, add a lot of complexity to the character. While the film’s slower pace and philosophical tone might not appeal to everyone, it stands out for viewers who enjoy sci-fi stories that make you think. The production design and world-building are detailed and creative, and the idea of confronting your own clone brings something new to the genre. Some parts may feel confusing or dragged out, but the film still leaves a strong impact by the end.

Engagement

The official Mickey 17 trailer posted by Warner Bros. on YouTube has over 19 million views, and many comments show people were excited for Bong’s return to sci-fi. I also checked Warner Bros. and Robert Pattinson fan accounts on Instagram and X to see how people were reacting to the film after release. The responses were mixed, some viewers loved the thought-provoking story, while others found it slow. I also talked with my cousin who watched it. He thought the movie was "weird but thought provoking" and thought the story might have done better as a TV series rather than a film.

Conclusion

In my opinion, Mickey 17 is a unique and intelligent sci-fi film that’s worth watching if you’re someone who enjoys stories that go beyond explosions and special effects. It’s not a fast-paced blockbuster, but it offers something deeper, questions about identity, value, and what it means to be human. Robert Pattinson gives a strong performance, and Bong Joon-ho’s direction makes the film feel both personal and futuristic at the same time. I would recommend this movie to fans of serious science fiction like Ex Machina or Blade Runner 2049, or to anyone who liked Bong’s earlier work like Snowpiercer or Parasite. Overall, I believe this movie is still worth checking out for its original concept and visual style.