Why 'Mickey 17' by Bong Joon Ho is a Must-See Sci-Fi Adventure: An In-Depth Review

Mickey 17 (played by Robert Pattinson) has a unique job: dying over and over again. He’s part of a mission set in 2054 to colonize a new planet called Nilfheim. Each day, his body is reprinted, and his memories are uploaded to a new version of himself. It’s a bit like a blend of horror and the classic film “Groundhog Day.” But this Mickey has more fight in him than anyone expected.

The film “Mickey 17,” directed by the talented Bong Joon-Ho, is based on Edward Ashton’s novel “Mickey7.” Throughout his career, Bong has successfully swung between serious social dramas and playful sci-fi adventures. With “Mickey 17,” he dives into a thrilling story wrapped in social commentary, humor, and bizarre creatures.

Mickey’s troubles begin on Earth in 2050. He and his friend Timo (played by Steven Yeun) get caught up with a dangerous loan shark. To escape their dire situation, they sign up for the colonial mission. Mickey accidentally applies to be an expendable—the lowest rank—while Timo gets a more glamorous role as a pilot.

Mickey’s job isn’t glamorous. He faces bullying from his crew and is treated like a disposable tool. But there’s a bright spot in his life: Nasha (Naomi Ackie), a soldier he secretly loves. Despite the mission leader, Rep. Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo), banning personal relationships to save calories, Mickey and Nasha find moments to connect.

Things take a chaotic turn when the lab assumes Mickey has died again and reprints Mickey 18. Now, there are two Mickeys running around, and that’s a serious problem in this world where multiple versions are forbidden. Their rivalry, combined with the arrival of dangerous creatures known as “creepers,” sends the whole mission spiraling into chaos.

The cast delivers mixed performances. Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of Marshall feels over-the-top, with a hint of a game show host vibe. His character treats colonization like a flashy media event. While Toni Collette plays his wife with a humorously exaggerated obsession with food, their roles serve as symbols rather than fully fleshed-out characters. In contrast, Pattinson and Ackie provide a more grounded emotional core to the story.

The narrative weaves in flashbacks and explores various themes, including the importance of valuing all life forms, even those deemed ‘less than.’ Bong’s vision is a mix of absurdity and cautious optimism for the future. Although the social critique doesn’t always hit home, it resonates with the audience, highlighting issues of inequality and power dynamics. While “Mickey 17” may not reach the heights of Bong’s best works, it still offers a captivating experience that reflects his unique storytelling style.

Check out this related article: Unveiling ‘The Rule of Jenny Pen’: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Movie Review by Roger Ebert

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