Mac Bern

Mickey 17 is that rare kind of sci-fi film that manages to make you laugh, make you feel, and make you think—often in the same scene. Director Bong Joon-ho once again proves why he’s one of the most compelling storytellers of our time. With a sharp eye for detail and a masterful grasp of tone, he delivers a film that’s equal parts comedy, tragedy, and political commentary wrapped in a futuristic package. The heart of Mickey 17 lies in its emotional resonance. Despite the absurdity of its premise—an “expendable” human who can be regenerated after death—it never treats its characters as jokes. Instead, the film leans into the absurdity to highlight something deeply human: our longing to matter, to belong, and to define who we are in a world that sees us as replaceable. Robert Pattinson delivers a career-defining performance, juggling the dry wit, existential confusion, and emotional depth of Mickey with incredible nuance. The supporting cast is just as strong, grounding this bizarre universe in real, believable relationships. Bong Joon-ho’s political voice is unmistakable here. The film questions the balance of power—those who have it, those who abuse it, and those who are caught in the middle. It’s about how ambition, especially political ambition, can corrupt even the most well-meaning ideals. There’s a dark irony in how the same systems that seek to “reset” humanity only end up repeating the same mistakes. Can humanity really be rebooted if we never change what drives us? At its core, Mickey 17 is also a meditation on identity. What makes someone them when their memories, body, or even consciousness can be copied? The film doesn’t give easy answers, but instead lets you sit with the discomfort of those questions. Visually arresting, emotionally rich, and intellectually daring, Mickey 17 is a sci-fi film with soul. It’s not perfect—but it’s ambitious, brave, and unforgettable.

As a huge fan of the book, I was very happy with the movie adaptation. While there were some missing parts from the book, the movie itself captured the essence of the characters and the emotion the book was trying to convey overall. Watched it 4 times already.