Film review: Mickey 17 takes you on a bizarre ride to the icy Niflheim
Bong Joon-ho, a 4X Academy Awardee who painted social inequalities in Parasite, returns with a highly anticipated movie of 2025, Mickey 17.
Based on Edward Ashton's 2022 novel Mickey7, the story follows Mickey Barnes (played by Robert Pattinson), a designated "Expendable", assigned to a perilous mission on the frozen Niflheim (planet).
His role requires him to carry out high-risk tasks, knowing that if he dies, he will be resurrected with his memories intact. Blending dark humor with science fiction, the film explores themes of identity, disposability, and human perseverance.
The cast includes Naomi Ackie as Nasha Barridge, Steven Yeun as Timo, Toni Collette as Ylfa, and Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall.
Bong has a history of blending social critiques with engaging storytelling (Parasite tackled class disparity, and Snowpiercer depicted societal hierarchy through a train).
In Mickey 17, he appears to critique corporate and systemic dehumanization, making it not just a bizarre sci-fi film but also a thought-provoking one.
The film will appeal to a niche. Robert Pattinson delivers a solid performance, and the supporting cast gives him decent support. The production design and strong visual effects will keep you engaged.
Mickey 17 is driven by Bong Joon Ho’s visionary direction and Robert Pattinson’s nuanced performance. The film masterfully blends existential themes, exploring identity, human expendability, and corporate control through the lens of an "Expendable" tasked with high-risk missions.
Visually, the icy landscapes of Niflheim create an immersive and eerie atmosphere, complemented by strong cinematography.
However, its introspective nature and slower pacing may not appeal to those expecting a fast-paced action thriller. The complex narrative, filled with philosophical dilemmas, could feel abstract for some viewers, while the film’s ambiguous ending might leave others wanting more clarity.
Additionally, its themes of cloning and identity crises may draw comparisons to other sci-fi works, potentially making it feel familiar rather than groundbreaking.
Despite these drawbacks, Mickey 17 remains a visually stunning and intellectually engaging film that will resonate with fans of cerebral science fiction, particularly those who appreciate Bong Joon Ho’s unique storytelling approach.
However, it is not Bong Joon-ho's finest work. I will rate it 2.5 out of 5 stars.
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