What happens when you sign up for a space mission where you’re expected to die—over and over again? Enter Mickey 17, Bong Joon Ho’s latest dive into the bizarre, where Robert Pattinson plays an expendable clone tasked with dangerous jobs while his memories transfer into each new body. But what happens when one version of Mickey decides he’s had enough? Well, chaos, existential dread, and a whole lot of Mark Ruffalo being extra, that’s what.
First things first—Robert Pattinson. Let’s just acknowledge the man’s range. This guy went from being a brooding teenage vampire to a sparkling indie darling, to our current, very broody Batman, and now? Now he’s playing two versions of himself in space, and he does it so seamlessly you forget they’re the same dude. His narration is pitch-perfect, and the way he differentiates between his two Mickeys through body language alone? Chef’s kiss. Give Twilight Boy his flowers. Shaking off a franchise is hard (ask the Harry Potter guy), but Pattinson? He obliterated that past life.
Naomi Ackie as Nasha? Oh, she ate. Action sequences? Handled. Comedy moments? On point. And she brings the kind of chaotic, goofy energy that makes her a scene-stealer. Hollywood, take notes—she’s ready for her leading action movie era.
And then there’s Mark Ruffalo. My guy went full method on whatever he thought this role was. Every line delivery, every gesture? Just delightfully over-the-top. If you squint, you can see his inspiration rhyming with “bump bump bump” (you know who I’m talking about). He’s having too much fun, and honestly? It works.
The supporting cast is stacked with big names, all pulling their weight. But let’s talk about the real scene-stealers: the aliens. These weren’t just background extraterrestrials—these guys had depth. Warmth. A surprising amount of emotional resonance. Didn’t expect them to take center stage, but hey, Bong Joon Ho does what he wants.
Visually? Stunning. CGI? Used just enough to enhance the storytelling without overwhelming it. This is Bong’s first fully English-language feature, and he sticks to his signature cinematic style—intricate framing, smooth long takes, and a perfect blend of eerie and comedic tones. The soundtrack is chef’s kiss, adding depth to both tense and absurd moments alike.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Is this Parasite? No. And that’s where expectations might trip people up. If you walk in expecting another Oscar-winning societal critique, you might leave confused. But if you take Mickey 17 for what it is—Bong Joon Ho’s brand of sci-fi chaos with a touch of black comedy—you’ll have a blast.
The film juggles human greed, the ethical dilemmas of cloning, the existential dread of being literally replaceable, and throws in philosophical questions about encountering extraterrestrial life. Oh, and there’s a love story. Because of course. And somehow? It all works.
The concept of expendables makes for some hilariously dark moments—there’s death, there’s comedy, and there’s absolute mayhem. The full-circle storytelling is classic Bong Joon Ho, making the whole experience feel satisfyingly complete.
If there’s a downside? Maybe the runtime. It’s a bit long, but honestly, it’s entertaining enough to power through.
Overall? Mickey 17 is as ridiculous as it is refreshing, as thought-provoking as it is absurd. A wild ride of existential dread and sci-fi insanity that only Bong Joon Ho could pull off.
Final Verdict: Take the trip, enjoy the chaos, and respect Robert Pattinson’s commitment to never being typecast again.
