About the movie
Mickey 17 is a 2025 science fiction black comedy film written, produced, and directed by Bong Joon-ho, adapted from Edward Ashton's 2022 novel Mickey7. The film features Robert Pattinson in the lead role, alongside Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. Set in a future where humans colonize space, the movie follows Mickey Barnes, an "Expendable" who is cloned each time he dies on the dangerous ice planet Niflheim.
Plot Summary
In the sci-fi film Mickey 17, set in 2054, Mickey Barnes becomes an "Expendable" colonist on the ice planet Niflheim, tasked with dangerous missions and cloned upon each death. After an incident where he is presumed dead but survives with the help of native "creepers", Mickey 17 returns to base to find his clone, Mickey 18. They must navigate coexistence and a conflict with colony leader Marshall, who seeks to exploit the planet and eliminate the creepers. Mickey 17 uncovers Marshall's genocidal plans and works with the creepers and a security agent, Nasha, to ensure coexistence, culminating in sacrifice and a new leadership focused on peace.
Director's Vision
Bong Joon-ho returns to science fiction with Mickey 17, exploring themes of human expendability and social commentary within a visually striking, black comedy framework. He aims to blend dark humor with serious themes of colonization, capitalism, and environmentalism. Bong emphasizes character-driven narratives, focusing on Mickey's personal journey from self-loathing to self-awareness within a dystopian setting. He uses the science fiction genre to examine contemporary societal issues, much like his previous works such as Snowpiercer, Okja, and Parasite. Bong has stated he wanted to prevent the harsh world of the film from destroying Mickey, aiming for a hopeful, albeit unexpected, finale where humanity learns to coexist and rejects exploitative systems.
Themes
Expendability of Human Life: The film explores the concept of humans being treated as disposable, particularly in a capitalist and colonial context. Mickey's role as an "Expendable" highlights the devaluation of life when it is seen as a resource for exploitation.
Colonialism and Exploitation: Mickey 17 critiques colonialist attitudes and the exploitation of both alien environments and beings for human gain. The human colony's interactions with the native "creepers" serve as an allegory for historical and ongoing colonial practices.
Class Consciousness: Similar to Bong Joon-ho's other films, Mickey 17 delves into class struggles. Mickey's status as an expendable worker underscores social hierarchies and the disparities in value assigned to different lives within a capitalist system.
Identity and Self-Worth: Mickey's repeated deaths and rebirths lead him to grapple with questions of identity and self-worth. His journey involves moving from self-hatred to a realization of his own value beyond his expendable role.
Environmentalism: The film touches upon environmental themes, particularly in the context of space colonization and humanity's relationship with alien ecosystems. The conflict with the creepers raises questions about human impact on new environments and the ethical considerations of expansion.
Critique of Megalomaniacal Leadership: The character of Kenneth Marshall, the colony's leader, embodies a critique of authoritarian and self-serving political figures. His obsession with control, genetic purity, and exploitation of resources represents a satirical take on contemporary political issues.
Hope and Coexistence: Despite its dark themes, Mickey 17 offers a glimmer of hope in its ending. The film suggests the possibility of coexistence and a rejection of systems that dehumanize and exploit, pointing towards a more optimistic future.
Key Success Factors
Bong Joon-ho's Direction: As a globally acclaimed director known for Parasite and Snowpiercer, Bong Joon-ho's involvement is a major draw, promising a unique blend of social commentary, genre filmmaking, and dark humor.
Robert Pattinson's Star Power: Robert Pattinson's casting in the lead role brings significant attention and a dedicated fanbase, enhancing the film's marketability. His portrayal of multiple versions of Mickey is also highlighted as a strong performance.
Intriguing Premise: The concept of an "expendable" character who is repeatedly cloned offers a compelling and thought-provoking narrative, ripe for exploring philosophical and social themes.
Genre Blend: The film's combination of science fiction, black comedy, and social satire appeals to a broad audience interested in genre-bending and intellectually stimulating cinema.
Timely Social Commentary: The film's exploration of capitalism, colonialism, and human expendability resonates with contemporary social and political discussions, making it relevant and engaging for audiences concerned with these issues.
Visual Appeal: The film is noted for its striking visuals, particularly the depiction of the ice planet Niflheim and the native "creepers," promising a visually immersive cinematic experience.
Summary (Short)
Mickey 17 is a sci-fi black comedy directed by Bong Joon-ho, starring Robert Pattinson as Mickey, an "expendable" colonist on an ice planet who is repeatedly cloned. The film explores themes of exploitation, identity, and social hierarchy as Mickey navigates his disposable existence and an unexpected conflict with the planet's native species.
Critics Reception
Critical reception for Mickey 17 is mixed to positive, with praise for its themes and Pattinson's performance, but some criticism for its messy narrative and pacing.
IMDb: (Internet Movie Database) - A popular online database for film and TV information, including user and critic reviews. IMDb's summary suggests that while Mickey 17 has commendable performances and striking visuals, it "struggles to balance its dark comedy, social critique, and sci-fi elements," resulting in a film that is "more frustrating than thought-provoking." Mickey 17 (2025) - IMDb
Lainey Gossip: An entertainment and celebrity gossip blog that also includes movie reviews. Lainey Gossip's review notes that Mickey 17 "is doing a lot and most of it well," highlighting its comedy, performances, and visual humor while acknowledging its dark premise and themes of colonization and exploitation. It suggests the film feels like a culmination of Bong's previous ideas. Review: Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17 is doing a lot and most of it well - Lainey Gossip
MacGuffin or Meaning: An entertainment newsletter providing film reviews and analysis. This review points out that Mickey 17 is a "messy story" with subplots that can weigh down the narrative, making its 137-minute runtime feel long. However, it praises the strong themes, Pattinson's dual performance, and Ruffalo's comedic turn. Mickey 17 Review: Messy Story, Strong Themes - MacGuffin or Meaning: Entertainment Newsletter
Film Fest Report: An online media outlet covering film festivals and providing reviews. Film Fest Report's review from Berlinale 2025 indicates that while Mickey 17 is anticipated and lives up to expectations, it may lack the "raw emotional authenticity" of Bong's earlier work like Parasite, feeling more like a "Hollywood-style approach." Berlinale 2025: Mickey 17 (dir. Bong Joon-ho) | Review - Film Fest Report
Cinelinx: A movie, games, and geek culture website. Cinelinx's review suggests Mickey 17 is "pretty good, if dark," offering a stark commentary on life's value. While noting parts may not land as intended, it appreciates the film's exploration of human values in a future context. Bong Joon-ho's Newest Film 'Mickey 17' Provides a Stark Commentary on the Nature and Value of Life - Review - Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture.
Time: A major news magazine that also publishes film reviews. Time's review interprets the ending of Mickey 17 as surprisingly hopeful, considering its dystopian capitalist setting. It emphasizes Mickey's journey from nihilism to heroism and the film's commentary on oppressive systems, suggesting emotional resonance depending on the viewer's political outlook. The Ending of Mickey 17 Finds Something to Hope for in a Dystopian Capitalist Hellscape
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics are acknowledging Mickey 17 as a thought-provoking film with strong performances, particularly from Robert Pattinson, and the exploration of relevant themes. However, some find the narrative "messy" or "aimless" and feel it doesn't reach the heights of Bong Joon-ho's previous masterpieces. The film is consistently described as a dark comedy with social commentary, blending science fiction with satire, and sparking discussions about its themes and ending.
Box Office
US & Canada lifetime gross: $19,002,852 Worldwide lifetime total gross: $43,702,852 (currently number1 US & Canada)
Production
Mickey 17 is produced by Dooho Choi, Dede Gardner, Bong Joon Ho, and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B Entertainment, Kate Street Picture Company, and Offscreen. The music is composed by Jung Jae-il, cinematography by Darius Khondji, editing by Jinmo Yang, production design by Fiona Crombie, and casting direction by Francine Maisler. Filming wrapped in January 2023. The film's release was initially set for January 31, 2025, but was delayed and finally theatrically released on March 7, 2025, in the United States. The production involved significant visual effects by Clear Angle Studios, Double Negative (DNEG), Framestore, Turncoat Pictures, and Volucap to create the alien world of Niflheim and the cloning aspects of the story.
Sales Companies: Mediawan
Distribution Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures Mexico, Cinemundo, HKC Entertainment, TME Films, Warner Bros. F.E., Warner Bros. Pictures Germany, Warner Bros. Pictures Argentina, Warner Bros. Pictures Austria, Warner Bros. Pictures Brazil, Warner Bros. Pictures Switzerland, Warner Bros. Pictures Spain, Warner Bros. Pictures Great Britain, Warner Bros. Singapore, Warner Bros. Canada, Warner Bros. France, Warner Bros. Italy, Warner Bros. Netherlands, Warner Bros. USA.
Visual Effects: Clear Angle Studios, Double Negative (DNEG), Framestore, Turncoat Pictures, Volucap
Release Dates
Theatrical Release (USA): March 7, 2025
Streaming Release: Streaming release dates are typically announced after the theatrical run. For Mickey 17, it is expected to be available on Max and potentially for Video-On-Demand (VOD) via Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+, and for TV broadcast on Home Box Office (HBO) in the USA, though specific dates are to be announced. Studio Distribution Services (SDS) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment are expected to handle Blu-ray, DVD, and Ultra HD Blu-ray distribution.
Why You Should Watch Movie
Bong Joon-ho's Unique Vision: Experience the latest film from the acclaimed director of Parasite and Snowpiercer, known for his genre-bending and socially conscious storytelling.
Robert Pattinson's Performance: Witness Robert Pattinson in a compelling dual role as multiple iterations of Mickey, praised for capturing the character's existential struggles.
Thought-Provoking Themes: Engage with relevant and timely themes of human expendability, colonialism, class struggle, and identity in a futuristic sci-fi setting.
Dark Comedy and Satire: Enjoy a film that balances dark humor with sharp social satire, offering both entertainment and intellectual stimulation.
Visually Striking World: Immerse yourself in the visually impressive world of Niflheim and Bong Joon-ho's distinctive cinematic style.
Hopeful (Unexpected) Ending: Discover a surprisingly optimistic conclusion from Bong Joon-ho, offering a departure from purely dystopian narratives.
What Movie Trend film is following
Sci-Fi with Social Commentary: Mickey 17 aligns with the trend of science fiction films that serve as vehicles for social and political commentary. This trend uses futuristic or fantastical settings to explore contemporary issues such as inequality, exploitation, and environmental concerns, making these complex themes more accessible and engaging for audiences. Films like District 9, Elysium, and Arrival are examples of this trend. Mickey 17 continues this by using its sci-fi premise to critique capitalism and colonialism.
What Big Social Trend is following
Ethical Concerns of Technology and AI: The film taps into the growing social trend of questioning the ethical implications of advanced technologies, particularly cloning and artificial intelligence. As society grapples with rapid technological advancements, Mickey 17 explores the dehumanizing potential of these technologies when applied within exploitative systems. This trend reflects broader anxieties about technology's impact on human values, identity, and social structures, mirroring discussions around AI ethics, genetic engineering, and corporate power.
Final Verdict
Mickey 17 is a noteworthy science fiction film from Bong Joon-ho that blends dark comedy with profound social commentary. While some critics point out narrative messiness and pacing issues, the film is largely praised for its thematic depth, Robert Pattinson's performance, and visual style. It offers a thought-provoking cinematic experience that tackles relevant contemporary issues within a unique and engaging sci-fi framework, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of Bong Joon-ho and genre-bending cinema.
Recommendations for movie industry
Continue Supporting Genre-Bending Films: The success and interest in Mickey 17 highlight the audience appetite for films that blend genres and offer more than just simple entertainment. The industry should continue to support filmmakers who experiment with genre combinations to deliver unique and thought-provoking stories.
Invest in Socially Relevant Sci-Fi: Films that use science fiction to explore current social and political issues, like Mickey 17, resonate with audiences. The industry should recognize the value of sci-fi as a platform for social commentary and invest in projects that tackle these themes in creative and engaging ways.
Embrace Dark Comedy with Depth: Mickey 17's use of dark comedy to address serious subjects demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. The industry should be open to films that utilize dark humor not just for laughs, but to enhance social critique and emotional resonance.
Value Character-Driven Narratives in Sci-Fi: Despite the grand sci-fi setting, Mickey 17 keeps its focus on Mickey's personal journey. The industry should prioritize character development even in large-scale genre films, as audiences connect with персональные stories amidst broader themes.
Encourage International and Diverse Voices: Bong Joon-ho's global success underscores the importance of supporting international filmmakers and diverse perspectives. The industry should continue to promote and fund filmmakers from various backgrounds to enrich the global cinematic landscape.
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