Mickey 17 Review: Robert Pattinson Shines, But Bong Joon Ho’s Sci-Fi Film Falls Short
Bong Joon Ho’s long-awaited follow-up to Parasite has arrived, bringing with it a high-budget sci-fi spectacle featuring Hollywood stars, deep themes, and an ambitious narrative. Starring Robert Pattinson in multiple roles, Mickey 17 explores cloning, dystopian survival, and corporate exploitation. However, despite its intriguing premise, the film struggles with execution, leading to a disjointed experience.
A Disappointing Follow-Up to Parasite
After the groundbreaking success of Parasite, Bong Joon Ho’s latest film had high expectations. Mickey 17, based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, blends sci-fi action with social commentary. However, unlike Parasite, which masterfully balanced dark humor and class critique, this film feels unsure of its direction. While it retains Bong’s signature subversiveness, it lacks the cohesion and sharp satire that made his previous work so compelling.
Robert Pattinson’s Dual Role Steals the Show
Pattinson plays Mickey Barnes, an expendable worker on the planet Niflheim, where human clones are used for dangerous tasks and revived after each death. The plot takes a turn when Mickey 17 survives an accident only to find that Mickey 18 has already taken his place. This sets the stage for an identity crisis and moral dilemma, but the film fails to dive deep into these philosophical questions.
While Pattinson delivers an entertaining performance, the film’s uneven tone dilutes the impact of his dual role. His chemistry with Naomi Ackie, who plays his lover Nasha, adds some emotional weight, but the story shifts away from their dynamic too quickly.
Weak Satire and Underdeveloped Themes
One of Mickey 17’s biggest issues is its lack of narrative focus. The premise offers potential for philosophical discussions on identity and self-worth, as well as biting social commentary on worker exploitation. Unfortunately, the film only scratches the surface. The comedy feels forced, and the satire lacks the sharp edge that made Parasite so powerful.
Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette play over-the-top villains, but their exaggerated performances make them feel cartoonish rather than menacing. Instead of offering a nuanced critique of corporate greed, Mickey 17 resorts to predictable tropes that diminish its impact.
A Confused Finale and Risky Blockbuster Ambitions
As the film progresses, it shifts from sci-fi introspection to action-packed spectacle. The climax introduces Niflheim’s native species, the Creepers—giant cockroach-like creatures that evoke Dune’s sandworms. This sudden pivot to blockbuster-style action feels at odds with the film’s earlier tone, leaving audiences uncertain about what Mickey 17 truly wants to be.
With a reported $150 million budget, the film takes a bold creative risk, but its execution may struggle to attract mainstream audiences. While it’s refreshing to see a big-budget sci-fi film with unique ideas, Mickey 17’s identity crisis could make studios hesitant to greenlight similarly ambitious projects in the future.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
Mickey 17 is visually impressive and boasts strong performances, particularly from Robert Pattinson. However, its muddled storytelling and lack of thematic depth prevent it from reaching the heights of Parasite. While fans of Bong Joon Ho may appreciate his distinctive style, this film ultimately falls short of expectations.
Rating: 2.5/5
