Maggie Lo

I give Mickey 17 a 5/5. Robert Pattinson's performance is outstanding—he seamlessly shifts from one complex character to another, portraying both Mickey 17 and 18 with depth and nuance. The film explores the idea that, despite having the same history, mind, and body, a person can live vastly different lives based on their choices and self-perception. Mickey 17 is passive, follows rules, and is exploited, while Mickey 18 is angry and stands up for himself—yet, at the core, they are both Mickey. This theme resonated with me, reminding me that my past doesn’t define my future. The spaceship serves as a powerful metaphor for the U.S., highlighting dictatorship, power imbalance, and exploitation. The exaggerated portrayal of the leader, resembling Trump, adds humor while underscoring the brutal reality of those in power controlling the fate of others. This is especially evident in the scene where the leader's wife playfully teases about pushing the bomb button, treating the power to destroy lives as if it were a mere game, further emphasizing the careless and dangerous nature of those in control. The process of printing new Mickeys mirrors the dehumanizing cycle of labor exploitation, where people struggling financially are often forced into the most grueling jobs. The film effectively critiques the cruelty of systemic oppression while incorporating humor to soften its harsh truths. The little monster is a clever representation of nature, showing how conflict, greed, and power struggles have led to environmental destruction. The film balances satire and reality masterfully, leaving the audience questioning whether the ending is truly a happy resolution or simply Mickey 17’s dream. Regardless, he reclaims his identity—not as a number, but as himself.