Unveiling Mickey 17: A Compelling Review and Complete Film Summary (2025) | Insights from Roger Ebert

Mickey Barnes keeps dying, and then he dies again, and again. His many gruesome deaths provide some of the most entertaining moments in “Mickey 17,” Bong Joon Ho’s latest film. This movie is a follow-up to his award-winning “Parasite,” but it feels different.

In “Mickey 17,” Bong revisits themes he’s explored before like economic inequality, environmental destruction, and authoritarianism. These issues are incredibly relevant today, especially with the rise of extreme political views worldwide. Bong portrays them with his unique blend of style and sharp satire.

Yet, if you loved “Parasite,” you may find “Mickey 17” somewhat disappointing. The precise tension and tone that made “Parasite” so captivating seem to have faded here. Instead, this film feels more chaotic and scattered, even if it’s quite visually impressive. At times, you might find yourself asking, “What is going on?”

Robert Pattinson brings an exhilarating energy to the role of Mickey. His performance is both wild and engaging, and it keeps you invested in his character’s many reincarnations. Pattinson has made some adventurous choices since “Twilight,” working with renowned directors to showcase his range. This role allows him to be both silly and serious, making it a good fit for him.

Based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, “Mickey 17” unfolds 30 years in the future on a distant ice planet. Mickey is an “Expendable” who has signed up for a dangerous job. He foolishly agreed to the terms without reading the fine print, meaning he must die repeatedly only to be brought back, complete with his memories. His role is to help the colonizers, whether that involves braving toxic air or testing risky vaccines. Despite the violent nature of his work, Mickey believes it’s better than the threats he faced from gangsters back on Earth. His cycles of death and rebirth blend dark humor with brisk storytelling, which is where Bong shines best.

During one dangerous mission, Mickey gets trapped after falling through a cave, left for dead by a friend who got him into the mess. Steven Yeun, returning from “Okja,” is compelling but his character comes off as selfish and exploitative. When the lab assumes Mickey has died and makes a new version, Mickey 18, things get complicated. When Mickey 17 returns, they must figure out how to coexist, which creates a lot of tension.

Mickey 17 is friendly and eager to please, while Mickey 18 is cocky and confrontational. This difference opens up opportunities for Pattinson to explore diverse aspects of his character. The special effects are impressive as they interact in wildly imaginative scenes. Having two versions of Mickey also excites his girlfriend, Nasha, played by Naomi Ackie, who is a brave and dedicated security officer. Another teammate, Kai, finds the kinder Mickey more appealing.

However, all the characters live in fear of Kenneth Marshall, the tyrannical leader played by Mark Ruffalo. His character is amusing yet arrogant, always seeking genetic superiority. Marshall even has a catchy slogan and a group of followers who wear matching hats. Ruffalo, along with Toni Collette as his manipulative wife, pushes their characters’ unlikable traits for laughs, but it starts to wear thin.

“Mickey 17” becomes a bit too convoluted after the introduction of Mickey 18, even though Pattinson tries to guide the audience through it with narration. The film’s visuals, thanks to cinematographer Darius Khondji and production designer Fiona Crombie, speak volumes. However, some subplots, like a coup and the peculiar creatures called “creepers,” feel overly drawn out. These creatures, which look like odd armadillos, represent deeper themes of immigration and colonization but can feel heavy-handed.

While I agree with Bong’s messages, I wish he delivered them with a bit more subtlety. Perhaps for his next project, he could refine his approach.