What an unexpected experience. The movie obviously looks quirky from the trailer, but I wasn’t expecting the political/cultural satire. Although, considering that the movie is written/directed by Bong Joon Ho (Parasite, Snowpiercer, Mother) I shouldn’t be surprised. Like Bong’s previous works, the satire here isn’t subtle—it’s biting and deliberate. The film uses its science-fiction setting to hold a mirror to our current societal hierarchies, questioning the value we place on human life when it’s deemed “replaceable.” The commentary on corporate exploitation and colonization feels especially relevant in today’s world of billionaire space races and growing wealth inequality.

Imagine Parasite but not as heavy/dark

The humor in Mickey 17 works effectively because it emerges organically from its absurd premise rather than feeling forced through one-liners or sight gags. The laugh-out-loud moments often come from the darkest situations—a trademark of Bong’s filmmaking that creates a unique viewing experience where audience members may find themselves laughing and then immediately questioning why they’re laughing. This discomfort is intentional and adds another layer to the film’s examination of how we process and normalize exploitation.

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Rich and complex, but not complicated

The plot is refreshingly easy to follow despite its science-fiction premise. In a genre that often gets bogged down in complex world-building, Mickey 17 presents its core concept—a man who serves as an expendable clone on a mission to colonize an ice planet—with clarity and purpose. The story progresses logically, balancing its high-concept ideas with accessible storytelling that never sacrifices depth for simplicity.

Pattinson vs Pattinson

Once again, Robert Pattinson displays his masterful acting ability. He pulls off one of the most difficult roles in acting by playing two distinct personalities of essentially the same person. Each Mickey has his own mannerisms, speech patterns, and emotional responses that make them distinctly different while maintaining the core essence of the character. This isn’t just a performance where an actor puts on different clothes or a different hairstyle—Pattinson creates a genuine psychological distinction between versions that’s both subtle and profound.

Caricature of a megalomaniac

It’s fascinating to see Ruffalo take on another eccentric character so soon after his performance in Poor Things. While his character in Yorgos Lanthimos’s film explored the hubris of scientific ambition through a Victorian lens, here he embodies a different kind of megalomania—one that’s frighteningly contemporary despite the futuristic setting. In both roles, Ruffalo demonstrates his willingness to play deeply flawed, often unlikable men who nonetheless reveal uncomfortable truths about power and ambition.

Speaking of which, if you’re a MAGA type person, you will want to skip this movie. Ruffalo’s character is a caricature of Trump and other megalomaniacs. Or maybe Trump is a caricature of megalomaniacs. 🙂

Supporting crew… I mean cast

Beyond Pattinson and Ruffalo, the supporting cast delivers performances that enrich the film’s universe. Naomi Ackie and Toni Collette in particular bring depth to characters that could have been one-dimensional in less capable hands. The ensemble creates a believable community of colonists, each with their own motivations and fears that compound the tension of survival on an inhospitable planet.

Pacing

The pacing of Mickey 17 deserves special mention. Bong masterfully balances the slower, contemplative moments that allow us to connect with the characters against the more tense sequences of survival and discovery. The film never rushes its emotional beats, giving weight to the ethical dilemmas it presents, while still maintaining momentum that keeps viewers engaged throughout its runtime. This deliberate structuring allows the film’s climax to land with maximum impact, both emotionally and thematically. The movie has a runtime of about 2 hours and 10 minutes (not including the end credits). It’s never slow or plodding and feels much shorter than some poorly edited short movies.

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Visual Storytelling

Visually, Bong Joon Ho creates a world that feels both futuristic and grimly realistic. I’m reminded of Terry Gilliam’s visual style from Brazil. The world is modern yet trashy.

Bong continues to prove himself as one of cinema’s most versatile directors. Like Parasite examined class division and Snowpiercer tackled climate catastrophe and social hierarchy, Mickey 17 fits perfectly into his catalog of films that wrap incisive social commentary in genre packaging. His signature tonal shifts—from laugh-out-loud comedy to devastating drama within the same scene—are on full display here, demonstrating once again his unique ability to make audiences laugh while simultaneously unsettling them with uncomfortable truths.

More of this, please

In an era of interconnected cinematic universes and pre-planned trilogies, Mickey 17 stands confidently on its own merits. It respects the audience’s intelligence enough to present a complete story with a satisfying arc that doesn’t require sequel hooks to feel fulfilling. This creative integrity, combined with its willingness to tackle meaningful themes while still being thoroughly entertaining, makes it exactly the kind of original filmmaking we should be celebrating and supporting. If Hollywood wants to understand why audiences occasionally tire of franchises, they need look no further than the refreshing experience of watching a film like this.

Recommendations for Viewers

If you enjoy Mickey 17, you might also appreciate other thought-provoking sci-fi films like Moon (featuring Sam Rockwell in another clone-based performance), Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival, or Alex Garland’s Ex Machina. For similar social commentary wrapped in genre elements, Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You and Jordan Peele’s Get Out offer comparable blends of satire and uncomfortable truths.

Grade: A-

About The Peetimes: The second and third Peetimes are great. Both are long scenes that are easy to summarize.

The 1st Peetime is okay, but it spans a couple of different scenes.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Mickey 17.

Plot
Mickey 17, known as an “expendable,” goes on a dangerous journey to colonize an ice planet.