Mickey 17 is a 2025 science-fiction and black comedy film written, directed and produced by Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho. The film is based on the 2022 novel Mickey7 by author Edward Ashton. The film stars Robert Pattinson in the lead role, who plays an “Expendable” employee who is resurrected as a clone after dying on dangerous missions. He also stars alongside veteran actors like Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo.
The film revolves around the establishment of a colony on the icy planet Niflheim in the year 2054, where the conflict and complexity of understanding between humans and the planet’s native Creepers is shown. The film has garnered a lot of positive reviews after its world premiere and has also been a box office success. Bong Joon-ho’s distinctive storytelling style and Robert Pattinson’s powerful performance in a dual role make this film a unique cinematic experience.
| Title | Mickey 17 |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Bong Joon Ho |
| Written by | Bong Joon Ho |
| Based on | Mickey7 by Edward Ashton |
| Produced by | Bong Joon Ho, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Dooho Choi |
| Starring | Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo |
| Cinematography | Darius Khondji |
| Edited by | Yang Jin-mo |
| Music by | Jung Jae-il |
| Production Companies | Warner Bros. Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, Offscreen, Kate Street Picture Company, Domain Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Runtime | 137 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $118 million |
| Box Office | $130.6 million |
| Premiere | February 13, 2025 (Leicester Square, London) |
| Release Dates | February 28, 2025 (South Korea), March 7, 2025 (USA) |
| Genres | Science Fiction, Black Comedy, Drama |
| Setting | Year 2054, Planet Niflheim |
Mickey 17 Story
Mickey 17 is a science-fiction and black comedy film set in the futuristic year 2054. It tells the story of a man named Mickey Barnes who leaves Earth and becomes part of an expedition to settle on the icy planet Niflheim. Along with his friend Timo, Mickey joins the team as an “Expendable”—a personnel officer who is sent on dangerous missions and is cloned when he dies, with his past memories intact.
Four years after the ship arrives, Mickey’s 17th clone (Mickey 17) collapses on a mission and is presumed dead. A new clone, named Mickey 18, is soon created. But Mickey 17 survives and returns to the ship, where the presence of both clones poses a threat, as rules state that if multiple clones are found, they are to be destroyed.
The two Mickeys come up with a plan to survive, but things take a turn for the worse when they come into contact with the planet’s indigenous inhabitants, the Creepers, who are sentient and intelligent creatures. Mickey 17 communicates with them and eventually makes peace between humans and Creepers.
In the end, Mickey 18 sacrifices himself so that the rest of the survivors and the Creepers can stay safe. Mickey 17 destroys the cloning machine and ends the “Expendable” program. The film not only talks about science and technology, but also beautifully touches upon issues such as morality, identity, and coexistence.
Movie Review
These reviews on Mickey 17 show mixed reactions from viewers, but both consider it a worth-watching and thought-provoking film.
The first review says that the film is a must-see. After watching the film, one feels ten times more grateful for one’s life and begins to understand the importance of even the smallest of everyday things. However, the reviewer felt that the events on the planet they visit lacked real drama. The inclusion of creatures such as the “Creepers” was not as effective as a humanoid alien race could have been. Still, the film has a deep and unique message that gradually comes to the fore.
Robert Pattinson and Mark Ruffalo’s acting has been particularly praised. Especially in one scene, the film reminds one of Joker when he goes to Murray’s show. The reviewer went to the cinema hall with no expectations, and came away with a pleasant surprise at the end.
The second review, a week old, found the film to be a satire on the current political situation and the growing class divide in society. The superb cinematography and the futuristic backdrop add depth to the film. A character named Mickey Barnes joins a colony mission to a planet to escape loan sharks on Earth as an “Expendable” — a person who is used for every dangerous task and is cloned when he dies.
After each death, a new clone of Mickey is created, but an existential crisis arises when an accident leaves Mickey 17 still alive and Mickey 18 is created. Mickey 17 does not want to give up his identity and this is where the real conflict in the story begins.
The class distinction is very clearly shown in this entire process, where Mickey is treated like just a lab rat. Robert Pattinson has given a brilliant performance in both the roles of a helpless Mickey 17 and the aggressive Mickey 18. Mark Ruffalo plays a dictatorial colony leader who is hungry for cameras and power. Toni Collette plays his cunning and insane wife.
Critics agree that the film is a bit long, but it raises the question “what is the real meaning of being alive?” It is a thought-provoking, beautifully made film. Even if it does not reach the level of a masterpiece like Memories of Murder, it is still a fascinating and deep film that is a must-see.
Movie Trailer
Conclusion
Mickey 17 is a thought-provoking and emotionally deep film that touches on complex themes of human existence, identity, and class struggle against a science-fiction backdrop. Robert Pattinson and Mark Ruffalo’s performances are impressive, and the film’s direction leaves the audience thinking. Though the film may seem slow and long in parts, its message is deep and relevant. The film not only entertains the audience but also gives them a new perspective towards their life and society. Definitely worth a watch.