Mickey 17 is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho starring Robert Pattinson as an “Expendable” worker sent on a space mission, only to discover he’s been replaced by his new clone.
The Trailer vs. The Experience
Let’s be honest- the trailer had us hooked. With its quirky sci-fi tone, striking visuals, and Pattinson’s endearing goofiness, Mickey 17 promised a fresh take on the genre.
Unfortunately, while the film does carry a philosophical weight and some sharp moments, the narrative feels weighed down by its introspection. It isn’t the fun space romp the trailer teased – it’s more like a long internal monologue dressed in intergalactic clothing.
Plot
- In a distant future, Mickey is an “Expendable”- worker who can die and be regenerated via cloning tech.
- He’s sent on deadly missions no one else wants. But things take a strange turn when one version of Mickey doesn’t die… and another one is created.
- Now, there are two Mickeys, and they must navigate a world of control, colonization, and corporate exploitation- while trying to stay alive (again).
The sci-fi cloning idea is cool, but halfway through, the movie shifts focus from this unique setup to a more familiar “colonizers vs. natives” story. That twist, while rich in metaphor, feels like it wastes the original potential.
Performances
- Robert Pattinson: Charming, quirky, emotionally vulnerable- sometimes feels like a cartoon, but still carries the film.
- Mark Ruffalo: Wild and unhinged, channeling chaotic villain energy that’s both funny and strange.
- Chemistry & Characters: Some are underused, and the emotional core is stretched thin under the philosophical weight.
Quick Take
- Tone: Philosophical, slow, more meditative than thrilling. Feels more like a long thought-piece than a sci-fi adventure.
- Dialogue: Too long in parts-overwritten, poetic, and sometimes tiring.
- Direction: Bong’s visual flair is present, but the storytelling feels muddled, especially in the second half.
Can Mickey 17 Be the Next Parasite?
Let’s be real – Parasite was lightning in a bottle: sharp, socially layered, and universally resonant. Mickey 17, while visually and conceptually bold, doesn’t carry that same biting clarity. Its social commentary on exploitation, cloning ethics, and identity is present, but muddled. It wants to say something profound but spends too much time meandering through moody silences and long-winded monologues.
“Every film has a flavour of its own. You can’t expect a strawberry to taste like a mango.” And that’s fair. Comparing Mickey 17 to Parasite is a disservice. But even judged on its merit, this strawberry is a bit underripe.
Final Thoughts
Mickey 17 is not a bad film. It’s thoughtful, strange, and occasionally brilliant. But it’s also slow, meandering, and ultimately forgets what made its premise exciting.
It wants to be deep sci-fi with a soul, but sometimes, it just ends up being a long episode of Black Mirror with better actors. Mickey 17 is less “sci-fi epic” and more “group therapy in space with a budget.”
(Worth watching for Pattinson and the visuals, but lower your expectations and be ready for some whining Mickey monologues.)
Rating: 6.5/10
Written by MANSI.B.SINGH