by ECI Released : 2025-03-07
Mickey 17 is a 2025 sci-fi film directed by the legendary Bong Joon-ho and starring Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, a man who signs up to die and be recloned in various intergalactic experiments. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, the film explores identity, corporate exploitation, and the meaning of existence, all within Bong’s signature genre-blending storytelling.
Pattinson delivers a gripping performance as Mickey, embodying both the existential dread and dark humor that come with being an "Expendable"—a worker on a space colonization mission who dies repeatedly for the mission’s sake. The film’s cinematography is striking, with minimalist yet eerie production design reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Bong’s storytelling excels in building tension, and his satirical edge is as sharp as ever. However, while Mickey 17 is an ambitious and thought-provoking film, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his best work, such as Memories of Murder (2003) or Parasite (2019). The pacing, at times, feels uneven, and despite its compelling premise, the film lacks the emotional punch that defined his greatest achievements.
That said, Mickey 17 remains one of the best sci-fi films in recent years, offering a mix of intellectual depth and visual spectacle. It may not be Bong’s masterpiece, but it’s still an exceptional cinematic experience. The best film of the year so far—go see it at a drive-in or theater near you.
