‘Mickey 17’: Bong Joon Ho Delivers a Hilarious Sci-Fi Adventure

LOS ANGELES, March 7, 2025 — Director Bong Joon Ho returns with “Mickey 17,” a surreal sci-fi film featuring Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, a human hired to be an ‘expendable’ on a colonization mission to the ice planet Niflheim. Set in the year 2054, the film explores themes of mortality, identity, and the ethics of scientific experimentation.

In the film, Mickey must endure repeated deaths and regenerations as he gathers data to ensure Niflheim is safe for human habitation. After mishaps lead to the deaths of 16 previous versions of himself, Mickey faces a daunting reality: he owes money back on Earth and must endure the brutalities of his job to escape his past.

“It’s terrible, dying. I hate it. No matter how many times I go through it, it’s scary, still. Always, every time,” Pattinson’s character says during a moment of self-reflection. This line captures the existential dread that permeates the film, exploring the psyche of a man resigned to a cycle of death.

Supported by an imaginative cast including Anamaria Vartolomei and Naomi Ackie, the film’s characters emphasize Mickey’s loneliness amid the chaos of interstellar colonization. Kenneth Marshall, played by Mark Ruffalo, serves as a satirical antagonist, embodying tropes of corporate greed and incompetence.

Bong, known for his unique blend of humor and social commentary, showcases a mastery of both spectacle and substance. “Mickey 17” continues the director’s exploration of human nature and societal issues through a fantastical lens, reminiscent of his acclaimed films “Parasite” and “Snowpiercer.” Yet, this time, the focus shifts toward the absurdity of corporate roles in space.

Visually, the film presents a vibrant world teeming with eccentric alien life forms, including the inhabitants of Niflheim, who are depicted as large, roly-poly creatures with a surprising emotional depth. Bong’s ability to elicit sympathy for these bizarre creatures adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Despite its whimsical elements, the film carries sharp social critiques, particularly against capitalist structures. The juxtaposition of playful humor with darker themes resonates with audiences, prompting reflections on the exploitation of labor and the cost of scientific advancement.

While it evokes the trademark absurdity found in Bong’s English films, “Mickey 17” is hailed as the director’s most refined work yet, balancing a wild narrative with grounded character experiences. Pattinson’s comedic performance shines as he deftly navigates the nuances of playing multiple versions of his character, each distinct in personality.

As “Mickey 17” approaches its release, early reviews suggest it ranks among Bong Joon Ho’s best English-language films, holding the potential to resonate with fans and critics alike for its inventive storytelling and relevant themes. Audiences can anticipate a blend of comedy and poignant commentary when it hits theaters on March 7, 2025.