Mickey 17, Bong Joon Ho’s eagerly anticipated sci-fi film, arrives in 2025 with an intriguing premise that blends dark comedy and existential questions. Robert Pattinson takes on the challenging dual role in this adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel “Mickey7.” Following his groundbreaking Oscar success with “Parasite,” Bong returns with a tale set in 2054, where an expendable employee named Mickey Barnes faces an identity crisis on a treacherous ice planet colonization mission when he discovers his own clone has replaced him.
Why critics and cast love Bong Joon Ho’s unique vision
Robert Pattinson’s performance as the expendable crew member Mickey has garnered significant praise from critics. The actor differentiated his portrayals of Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 through distinct accents and mannerisms, partially inspired by Jim Carrey in “Dumb and Dumber.” This approach perfectly complements Bong’s distinctive style that seamlessly blends multiple genres – from slapstick to horror – within the science fiction framework.
The critical consensus reflects strong appreciation for the film, evidenced by:
- A 77% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 7.1/10
- A “generally favorable” Metacritic score of 72/100
Mark Ruffalo, who portrays expedition leader Kenneth Marshall, has praised Bong’s ability to explore complex themes like corporate exploitation and colonialism through entertaining narratives. Naomi Ackie, playing security agent Nasha, highlighted how Bong transformed the source material, making significant character adjustments while maintaining his trademark social commentary.
Toni Collette, cast as Ylfa Marshall, admired how Bong’s direction examines the morality of cloning and human expansion into alien environments with both humor and depth. The director’s unique vision for the native “Creepers” being sentient beings adds another layer to his exploration of resistance against authoritarian figures.
