Movie Review: Mickey 17

In short:
No matter how many times Mickey dies, Dying is terrible. Mark Ruffalo is a mix of trump and musk. Loved Naomi Ackie, this is a movie about life, choices and loving life, a comedic sci fi masterpiece. Totally one of my favourite movies this year so far

Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 premiered at Berlinale to enthusiastic acclaim, proving to be a genre-bending masterpiece that blends science fiction, dark comedy, and philosophical exploration. Based on Edward Ashton’s novel, the film follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an “expendable” tasked with risky missions in the colonisation of the icy planet Niflheim. Each time he dies, his consciousness is transferred into a new clone. However, things get complicated when Mickey 17 survives, only to discover his replacement, Mickey 18, is already in place, posing unsettling questions about identity, purpose, and the value of a life.

Pattinson’s dual performance is captivating, subtly differentiating between the two versions of Mickey while navigating the existential dilemmas with remarkable depth. His portrayal is at once humorous, melancholic, and deeply human. Naomi Ackie impresses as Nasha, a key figure in Mickey’s life, bringing warmth and strength to the screen. Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo’s Kenneth Marshall, a cunning political figure within the colony, is a brilliant mix of unsettling charm and ambition, a blend of modern tech titans and populist leaders.

Bong Joon-ho’s direction is razor-sharp, once again seamlessly combining social commentary with genre entertainment. The film explores capitalism, colonisation, and the ethics of human replication, delivering laughs and thought-provoking insights in equal measure. Visually, the icy landscapes of Niflheim are stunning, while the dark humour keeps things refreshingly light.

At its core, Mickey 17 is a story about life, choices, and what it means to exist. With its razor-sharp wit and heartfelt exploration of humanity, it’s an early contender for one of the year’s best films. Bong’s return is nothing short of triumphant—an exhilarating and profound sci-fi adventure.

Rate: 4.5/5