2019 was the year of Bong! After Parasite took the world by storm—winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes—the film became a cinephile’s favorite throughout the 2019 awards season, claiming the SAG Ensemble award before culminating in a historic night at the Academy Awards. Not only did Parasite win Best International Feature Film, but it also took home Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and became the first and only international feature to win Best Picture. With that level of momentum, Bong Joon-ho’s follow-up was bound to be one of the most anticipated films in years.
Six years later, that follow-up finally arrives in the form of Mickey 17, a zany sci-fi black comedy that showcases Bong’s signature blend of thematic satire and fearless direction. His collaboration with Robert Pattinson was a pairing too intriguing to miss, and, unsurprisingly, the result is another triumph in Bong’s already legendary career. Brimming with wit and visual ingenuity, Mickey 17 succeeds as a mind-bending, existentially rich, and darkly comedic ride. Led by a captivatingly unhinged Robert Pattinson and a wonderfully sleazy Mark Ruffalo, the film is an absurdist satire and a welcomed return hit of the Bong.
Based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7, the film follows Mickey Barnes, an “expendable” crew member on the human colony of Niflheim. Assigned high-risk missions that inevitably lead to his death, Mickey is continually regenerated, each time retaining his memories. But when he is presumed dead and returns to find that his replacement—Mickey 18—has already been created, a conflict ensues between the two versions as they struggle to survive the paradox of dual existence.
While Mickey 17 is less subtle than some of Bong’s past works, its screenplay echoes many of his familiar themes. He once again blends visionary storytelling with biting social commentary, this time exploring corporate greed, political corruption, and the illusion of progress. Through its antagonist, Kenneth Marshall, the film delves into the dangers of “genetic purity,” class segregation, and the empty promises of a better future. Bong draws clear parallels to contemporary society—right down to Marshall’s supporters sporting their own ominous red caps.
Sociopolitical themes are woven throughout the film, but what makes Bong’s work so compelling isn’t just his ability to critique systems—it’s his talent for crafting richly developed characters. Mickey 17 is no exception. The story thrives on shifting motives and perspectives, making the ensemble feel dynamic and lived-in, evoking both admiration and disdain for different characters along the way.
At the forefront is Robert Pattinson, who continues to prove why he’s one of the most compelling actors working today. His dual performance captures the existential dread of being caught in an endless cycle of life and death while simultaneously bringing an unpredictable, rebellious energy to his clone. The contrast in his performances highlights his versatility, solidifying Mickey 17 as another standout moment in his already impressive career.
Supporting Pattinson is Mark Ruffalo, whose sleazy, authoritarian leader is as absurd as he is darkly hilarious—a character that asks the question: what happens when a leader faces no opposition? Ruffalo fully leans into the role, while Toni Collette delivers as expected. However, the real scene-stealer is Naomi Ackie, who commands attention in every moment she’s on screen. Acting as the film’s moral compass and resident badass, she elevates the narrative with a magnetic performance that rivals even Pattinson’s.
Visually, Mickey 17 is nothing short of stunning. Cinematographer Darius Khondji crafts a world that feels frozen in time—both literally and figuratively. The claustrophobic interiors heighten the tension, while the vast, desolate tundra of Niflheim creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the characters’ isolation. Meanwhile, Jung Jae-il’s score is yet another triumph. With Okja, Parasite, and now Mickey 17 under his belt, his collaborations with Bong continue to produce with consistency and glowing results.
Ultimately, Mickey 17 leans more toward Okja and Snowpiercer than Memories of Murder or Parasite, but that doesn’t make it any less effective or memorable. If Mickey 17 teaches us anything, it’s that there are few guarantees in life—but Bong Joon-ho delivering cinematic gold every time he steps behind the camera is one of them.
