Bong Joon-ho Delivers Again with Mickey 17: A Darkly Hilarious Sci-Fi Journey
Bong Joon-ho is back, and this time, he’s giving us Mickey 17—a sci-fi dark comedy about clones, corporate greed, and existential dread. While it might sound like familiar territory, don’t let that deter you from visiting the local theater. This movie is a genuinely fun ride, packed with sharp humor, stellar performances, and enough moral dilemmas to keep your brain buzzing long after you leave the theater.
At the heart of Mickey 17 is Robert Pattinson, an actor known for his diverse roles, from a brooding vampire to the The Batman. Here, he plays Mickey Barnes, a man who signs up for the worst job in the galaxy, an “Expendable.” Basically, his purpose is to die repeatedly while his colony reprints a new version of him each time. Sounds like a solid employee benefits package, right?
Things begin to go haywire when a version of him doesn’t die, resulting in a system glitch that allows Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 to exist simultaneously, which is considered an abomination. So, the two Mickeys must keep their existence a secret while navigating the increasingly shady politics of their space colony.
Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette play over-the-top authority figures, adding a layer of campy political satire. Ruffalo’s portrayal of the colony’s leader, Kenneth Marshall, combines exaggerated mannerisms with a villainous streak, making his performance more caricature than menacing. Whether you find it amusing or annoying will likely depend on your tolerance for campy political satire.
Collette, on the other hand, fares much better as Marshall’s equally ruthless wife. She’s completely unhinged but in a way that feels deliberate and controlled, making her one of the film’s standout elements. Meanwhile, Naomi Ackie’s Nasha, Mickey’s love interest, delivers a solid performance, though her character’s motivations and personality seem to shift unpredictably—feeling like a commentary on the psychological effects of long-term space travel.
Despite these eccentricities, the humor mostly lands throughout the movie. It’s keenly aware of its absurdity and leans into it, keeping things fun. One moment you’re laughing, and the next, you’re contemplating the ethics of cloning.
Final Verdict: 4/5 – A Clone Worth Watching
Mickey 17 might not be Bong Joon-ho’s deepest work, but it’s a highly entertaining, well-acted sci-fi romp with enough dark comedy to keep you engaged during its 2-hour and 17-minute runtime. Robert Pattinson once again proves he’s willing to take risks, and the film’s unique premise sets it apart from the usual spring blockbuster fare.
So, should you see it? Absolutely. And if you leave the theater wondering if you might be an expendable clone in some cosmic corporate nightmare… well, that’s just part of the fun.