Bong Joon Ho’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning thriller “Parasite,” “Mickey 17,” is a frustratingly uneven film that explores the same themes of economic disparities, environmental destruction, and authoritarianism. The movie follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an expendable worker on a distant ice planet who repeatedly dies and is reborn.
While Pattinson’s performance is endearing, it can’t save the film from its convoluted plot and heavy-handed satire. The addition of Mickey 18 (also played by Pattinson) adds complexity to the narrative but also leads to a disjointed viewing experience.
The special effects are seamless, but the pacing suffers as subplots drag on interminably. The cinematography and production design are noteworthy, capturing a dystopian world that feels both visually stunning and thematically resonant.
Ultimately, “Mickey 17” fails to deliver on its promising concept due to Bong’s heavy-handed approach and lack of finesse in balancing tone and narrative. Despite Pattinson’s charismatic performance, the film feels like a missed opportunity to explore complex themes with subtlety and nuance.
Source: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mickey-17-film-review-2025