"Mickey 17," directed by Bong Joon Ho, is a science fiction black comedy that delves into themes of identity, survival, and the human condition. The film stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, an "Expendable" assigned to a space colonization mission on the icy planet Niflheim. In this role, Mickey undergoes multiple deaths and subsequent cloning, each time retaining his memories, to perform perilous tasks essential for the colony's survival.
WIKIPEDIA
The narrative takes a twist when Mickey 17, presumed dead after a mission mishap, returns to find that a new clone, Mickey 18, has been created in his absence. This unexpected duplication forces both versions of Mickey to navigate the complexities of coexisting without alerting the colony's leadership, who have strict policies against simultaneous clones, known as "Multiples."
WIKIPEDIA
Pattinson delivers a compelling performance, portraying the contrasting personalities of Mickey 17 and Mickey 18. Mickey 17 is depicted as good-natured and compliant, while Mickey 18 exhibits arrogance and aggression, highlighting the nuanced differences that can emerge from cloning.
ROGEREBERT.COM
The film also features Naomi Ackie as Nasha, Mickey's love interest and a security officer; Steven Yeun as Timo, Mickey's childhood friend and pilot; Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall, the authoritarian leader of the mission; and Toni Collette as Ylfa Marshall, Kenneth's manipulative wife.
WIKIPEDIA
Critics have offered mixed reviews. Some praise the film for its dark humor and Pattinson's dynamic performance, noting that his portrayal keeps audiences engaged despite the film's uneven narrative.
ROGEREBERT.COM
Others feel the movie lacks the depth and cohesion of Bong's previous works, describing it as a disjointed narrative with underdeveloped characters.
VANITYFAIR.COM
"Mickey 17" premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2025, and was released in South Korea on February 28, 2025, followed by a U.S. release on March 7, 2025. As of March 9, 2025, the film has grossed $53.3 million worldwide, against a production budget of $118 million.
WIKIPEDIA
Overall, "Mickey 17" presents a thought-provoking exploration of cloning and individuality, anchored by a multifaceted performance from Robert Pattinson.
Critics Weigh In on 'Mickey 17'
polygon.com
Mickey 17 is a sexy, slapstick sci-fi comedy about learning to live with yourself - literally
4 days ago
datebook.sfchronicle.com
'Mickey 17' review: Robert Pattinson nails Bong Joon Ho's blend of sci-fi, dark comedy
4 days ago
vanityfair.com
Mickey 17 Is Like a Bad Clone of Snowpiercer
4 days ago
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