Mar 14 2025 56 mins 2
Mickey 17 marks Bong Joon-ho's triumphant return to filmmaking following his historic Oscar sweep with Parasite. The film stars Robert Pattinson as an "expendable" – a human clone repeatedly sent on dangerous missions with his consciousness transferred to a new body after each death. When two versions of Mickey unexpectedly exist simultaneously, the story transforms into something far more complex than its sci-fi premise suggests.
What surprised me most about Mickey 17 was its comedic tone. Rather than the tense thriller the early teasers suggested, Bong delivers a surprisingly daffy, slapstick comedy reminiscent of silent film greats. Pattinson commits fully to this goofier register, creating a character both vulnerable and resilient. Mark Ruffalo shines as a fictitious failed politician leading the colony, channeling elements of current political figures with remarkable precision despite denying any intentional parallels.
The film continues Bong's exploration of class struggle, environmental concerns, and corporate critique – themes present throughout his filmography. However, Mickey 17's narrative structure relies heavily on narration and flashbacks, departing from the linear storytelling that made his previous works so effective. This structural change, combined with ambitious world-building, creates a film that feels occasionally unfocused compared to the tight construction of Parasite or Memories of Murder.
Watching Mickey 17 prompted a complete reexamination of Bong's career, from his debut Barking Dogs Never Bite to his Oscar-winning Parasite. What emerges is a portrait of a filmmaker whose remarkable consistency places him among cinema's contemporary masters. Even when experimenting with new genres or techniques, Bong maintains a distinct voice that seamlessly blends social commentary with genre entertainment. While Mickey 17 may not reach the heights of his greatest achievements, it demonstrates his continued willingness to take creative risks while delivering thought-provoking cinema that challenges and entertains in equal measure.
