From Big Screen to Max: Is Mickey 17 Worth Your Time?

After the acclaimed hit Parasite (2019), Bong Joon-ho, under high expectations, returns with his newest venture: Mickey 17.

Written, directed, and produced by the filmmaker, Mickey 17 marks a return to a more North American approach, which has already played a significant role in his directing career. The film is an adaptation of the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, though Bong Joon-ho takes considerable creative liberties, assuming all key roles in the production.

Plot

In a dystopian future where humans are fleeing Earth, our protagonist Mickey (played by the multifaceted Robert Pattinson) volunteers for a special colonization expedition program: to become an expendable.

In this universe, genetic science has advanced to the point where a human clone can be created, identical in body and memory. However, ethical concerns have led to a ban on this technology, with one exception: a single expendable unit per expedition. This expendable is used as a test subject for all medications, dangerous missions, and anything else potentially fatal. Each time the expendable dies, a new version is created within hours.

That’s where everything goes wrong. One day, like any other, Mickey returns from a mission only to find that, assuming he had died, they’ve already cloned him... and it is a serious violation. By law, if two clones exist simultaneously (referred to as “multiples”), both must be eliminated.

The coexistence of two Mickeys both should be deleted and likely never replicated again. It wasn’t his fault, but now he has to face the consequences. With the help of his girlfriend, a problematic “friend,” and aboard a spaceship full of selfish people who see him as disposable, Mickey has to find a way out of this mess.

The premise itself feels fresh and intriguing. However, over time, it becomes secondary to a second plot that emerges and takes over in the film’s second half. This shift in focus doesn’t dismiss the issue of the multiples, nor does it feel out of place: Bong Joon-ho masterfully executes this bold transition. It’s worth noting that the script is brilliant, offering a unique and still functional narrative structure.

Strengths

Speaking of the script, Mickey 17 is quite impressive. Even though it’s based on a book, the director opted to deliver an original vision, preserving the world and protagonist created by the author while taking the plot in a drastically different direction.

The film’s narrative keeps you engaged from beginning to end, from the lengthy and humorous introduction that spans the first thirty minutes to the rising and evolving conflicts of the second and final acts.

The acting is flawless. Every character is portrayed convincingly, with emotional authenticity that stands out on screen, from the sharp-witted guard Nasha Barridge (played by Naomi Ackie) to the pathetic, failed politician and ship leader Kenneth Marshall (played by Mark Ruffalo).

Weaknesses

Watching Mickey 17 can be a somewhat frustrating experience. The trailer presents a premise that seems central, but it ends up being only a starting point. Unfortunately, the thematic focus of the film diverges significantly.

The movie starts strong, giving the impression that it will develop into a story like Parasite, with commentary on class struggle, labor exploitation, and the dehumanization of workers. The concept of the “expendable” alone suggests this. Sadly, this theme is dropped when a new conflict arises—one with its own narrative line, which doesn’t clearly connect to the first, apart from the (well-developed) drama.

This mix of loosely related thematic lines ends up diluting the film’s message. What began as a mature and robust narrative veers toward something more shallow and even meaningless.

A clear example: the film hints at exploring the individuality of Mickey’s clones and how each has a unique personality and worldview, but this idea is barely developed. The story merely reiterates that the two Mickeys are different, only to have them grow more similar as the plot unfolds.

The film's handling of thematic content is its biggest flaw. While it raises important and timely questions, it only flirts with exploring them. Many issues are dropped halfway through, sacrificed in favor of a story more focused on CGI and visual effects.

Seen as a standalone piece, the script is very satisfying. The writer delivers a masterclass in dramaturgy, showing that their experience pays off.

However, in the context of Bong Joon-ho’s career, the film is undeniably frustrating, especially following his 2019 Oscar win for Best Picture.

The trailer and marketing present Mickey 17 as a sci-fi version of Parasite, which turns out to be misleading. The film does start with some serious tones, but quickly turns into a puppet show... one that flirts with deeper themes, but never dives into any of them meaningfully.

If you’re looking for a smart, fun, and easy-to-watch script, Mickey 17 is definitely for you! Guaranteed entertainment!

But if you prefer complex narratives with deep themes, it might leave you a bit disappointed this weekend.

Either way, we hope you enjoy the experience! Let us know what you thought in the comments. See you next time!