Writer/Director: Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo
‘A Spectacular Satire’
Few science-fiction books ever written about social class are as beloved as Mickey 7. Following its publication in 2022, Edward Ashton’s iconic novel has become a literary classic. On a personal level, I find the themes of social class in the sci-fi novel to be relatable. I remember forming a strong bond with a housekeeper that appreciated heroic astronauts in danger. Dedicated to doing every household chore, he was a person my family would adore. Like Mickey Barnes’ desire to survive in space, my housekeeper was dedicated to a job he would embrace. It didn’t take long before I bonded with a housekeeper I appreciated. I looked forward to spend every independence day with a servant I admired in every way. I soon discovered that he had dreams of exploring the moon. He would gaze at skies every night gaping in awe at stars which were bright. However, his dreams never materialized into reality. When he was diagnosed with terminal illness, my housekeeper’s life became shrouded in darkness. His dream to explore galaxies far far away were ruined on the day he passed away. His passing which my family never saw coming caused mourning. No matter how hard my family tried, we couldn’t cope with the loss of a housekeeper that died. It was hard to face the death of a housekeeper that never got to visit space. I wished he had come back to life being regenerated like Mickey. Years later, I treasure a commemorated book which reminds me of my housekeeper.
Now, Bong Joon-ho adapts the sci-fi book for the first time on the big-screen in his movie “Mickey 17”. Released in 2025, Bong Joon-ho’s latest film honoured a science-fiction book. Packed with bold production, engaging story and strong acting, it’s a superb sci-fi thriller. At the centre of it all is Robert Pattinson, who portrays a space hero. Although “Mickey 17” is a strong sci-fi film, it isn’t flawless. Its unevenly paced, building an ambiguous ending without resolution. Nevertheless, it offers engaging entertainment that will satisfy sci-fi fans
Based on the beloved book, “Mickey 17” tells the story of a hero that embarks on a journey to die causing catastrophe. Robert Pattinson portrays Mickey Barnes, a labour worker with intense commitment to his craft. However, Mickey’s life forever changes when he faces government corruption causing disaster. The election of the dictator Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) soon causes Mickey to face pressure. Faced with a tragedy, Mickey begins questioning whether it is possible for him to survive in a world which causes catastrophe.
Bong Joon-Ho is fascinated with themes of class warfare. His Oscar-winning movie “Parasite” captured parasite barriers that impoverished housekeepers in South Korea fight. With “Mickey 17”, however, the filmmaker created his first sci-fi literary adaptation. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a legendary science-fiction book but he succeeded. Evoking Ridley Scott’s “Alien”, the filmmaker effectively uses point-of-view shots capturing hardships commemorated space heroes on missions go through. For instance, point-of-view shots elevate the opening introduction scene. During this memorable scene, Mickey expresses his love for space missions captured through point-of-view shots. It brought back joyful memories of a housekeeper that had a strong desire to visit space he loved dearly. POV shots are tricky techniques. As Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” suggested, POV shots elevate classic horror movies about sharks. Nevertheless, they work immensely in this movie. Through stunning visuals, Bong Joon-Ho captures hardships space heroes are experiencing.
Another admirable aspect of “Mickey 17” that merits appreciation is the production. Evoking Spike Jonze’s “Adaptation”, Bong Joon-Ho uses special effects to capture the interactions between doubles. Throughout the movie, Bong Joon-ho uses effects to capture tension faced by multiples of Mickey. For instance, special effects elevate the death scene. During this intense scene, Mickey 17 faces grief when he discovers that Mickey 18 has sacrificed his life. It reminded me of my grief when a housekeeper my family appreciated died leaving me devastated. Double roles are tricky. However, they work immensely in this movie. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Jung Jae-il’s music is key to the film’s success. It gives the film a nerve-wracking atmosphere demonstrating burden which men that die for a living bear. Through phenomenal production design, Bong Joon-ho captures commemorated labour workers in space which decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Mickey 17” is a science-fiction film that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses voice-over narration to capture the tension faced by men embarking on space missions. Throughout the movie, Mickey expresses his views on his downtrodden world through revealing narration. For instance, the narration elevates the opening scene. During this unforgettable scene, Mickey expresses his cynical views on the world through narration. It reminded me of my housekeeper’s cynical worldview when he was diagnosed with heartbreaking illness leaving him affected. Narration is a complicated technique. As Frank Darabont’s iconic “The Shawshank Redemption” suggested, narration elevates classic movies about prison. Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” demonstrated that narration elevates movies about intellectual disability. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through an extraordinary screenplay, Bong Joon-Ho captures commemorated heroes in space experiencing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Robert Pattinson delivers one of his greatest performances as Mickey Barnes. Pattinson first achieved praise for playing vampires in adaptations. With “Mickey 17”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to for actors to portray double roles in movies but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Pattinson has always excelled at playing heroes facing tension, and “Mickey 17” exhibits his strengths as an actor. With expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and grief of a Jerri embarking on space missions. It’s a bold performance from one of the most celebrated actors that’s currently working in the industry today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Pattinson, the supporting cast is excellent and worthy of appreciation. Mark Ruffalo is magnificent, capturing the charismatic nature of a political leader with a spark that seeks to leave a lasting mark. Steven Yeun is fantastic, capturing the determination of a labourer that seeks to survive in worlds causing destruction. Lastly, Toni Collette meets appreciation. As a female politician, she brings a strong sense of authority to the movie.
Although “Mickey 17” is a captivating sci-fi satire, ultimately, it isn’t a flawless film. If there’s a minor shortcoming to the movie, it lacks engaging pacing. Bong Joon-ho’s decision to integrate political subplots involving politicians into the movie is bold but doesn’t succeed. Due to this faulty technique, scenes capturing Kenneth Marshall’s political negotiations aren’t as engaging as Mickey’s journey to find his identity. As Adam McKay’s “Vice” suggested, political subplots elevate movies about famous vice-presidents. Moreover, the film lacks a compelling ending. It’s an ambiguous conclusion without a satisfying resolution. Whereas this ambiguous ending elevated Ridley Scott’s “Alien”, it clashes with the tone of this movie. Therefore, “Mickey 17” can’t quite honour a classic sci-fi book about workers following a dangerous routine.
Nevertheless, fans of Robert Pattinson will definitely enjoy “Mickey 17” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating science-fiction satire, it celebrates a commemorated actor which audiences admire.
Nearly 5 years following the publication of a groundbreaking science-fiction book about heroes that face frightening obstacles seeking to survive in space, it’s a fantastic reminder of a novel that carved a strong place in popular culture through its depiction of social class building a commemorated legacy which readers embrace.
As powerful as Mickey’s desire to have his body regenerated, it has motivated me to move on countless years after the heartbreaking death of a dedicated housekeeper left my family emotionally devastated by treasuring an inspirational person whose work ethic cultivated my lifelong love of filmmaking I’ve appreciated.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 