Mickey 17: A Sci-Fi Adventure with Dark Comedy and Big Ideas

Bong Joon-ho, the director behind famous films like Parasite and Snowpiercer, returns with a new science fiction film, Mickey 17. Released in 2025, this movie is based on the 2022 novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. It features Robert Pattinson in the lead role, along with Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo in key roles. Mickey 17 blends dark comedy with sci-fi elements and explores deep questions about identity, life, and technology. In this review, we will take a closer look at the movie's plot, characters, strengths, and weaknesses, and why it’s worth watching at Scope Cinema.

The movie is set in the year 2054, and it follows Mickey Barnes (played by Robert Pattinson), who works as an ‘Expendable’ on a spaceship heading to a cold alien planet called Niflheim. An ‘Expendable’ is a worker who does the most dangerous tasks, and if they die, they are simply cloned and sent back with their memories mostly intact. This process makes Mickey a disposable worker, but he also has to deal with deep questions about what it means to be human and what happens when you keep coming back from death.

Mickey and his friend Timo (played by Steven Yeun) join the mission to escape debt from a loan shark. After several dangerous missions, Mickey ends up dying, only to be replaced by a new clone, Mickey 18. This brings up a lot of problems as the spaceship’s leaders, especially Kenneth Marshall (played by Mark Ruffalo), see the clones as a threat and want to control them. At the same time, Mickey and the rest of the crew encounter alien creatures called ‘Creepers,’ which adds even more tension and conflict to the story.

The plot is filled with twists, action, and dark humor as Mickey tries to survive and make sense of his place in a world where his life is constantly reset, and his value is questioned. The movie also touches on power struggles, societal inequality, and the ethics of cloning, all while offering an engaging and exciting experience.

The cast of Mickey 17 is one of its strongest points. Robert Pattinson does an amazing job playing Mickey Barnes, portraying both the confusion and the resilience of a character who is constantly dying and being reborn. He brings depth to Mickey's existential struggle, making the audience care about his journey and growth.

Naomi Ackie, who plays Nasha Barridge, adds emotional depth to the film. Nasha is a security agent who becomes close to Mickey, and her character provides a sense of hope and support in a world that sees Mickey as just a clone. The chemistry between Pattinson and Ackie is believable and adds warmth to the movie’s darker moments.

Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette, who play the antagonists, also give memorable performances. Marshall, the spaceship’s leader, is manipulative and power-hungry, while Collette’s character, Ylfa, plays a key role in the plot's twists. Both actors bring a lot of energy to their roles, making the villains both entertaining and unsettling.

Other supporting actors, like Steven Yeun and the rest of the crew, also shine in their roles, adding to the movie's dynamic and keeping the story interesting.

One of the best parts of Mickey 17 is how it mixes sci-fi, humor, and deep ideas. Bong Joon-ho has a talent for making movies that are both entertaining and thoughtful, and this film is no exception. The concept of cloning, where Mickey dies and comes back as a new version of himself, raises questions about identity and what it means to live. It’s a powerful way to explore what it means to be human.

The visuals are stunning. The cold, icy planet of Niflheim looks amazing, and the Creepers, the alien creatures, are both creepy and fascinating. The special effects do a great job of making this world feel real, and the action sequences are intense, especially when Mickey is facing life-threatening challenges.

Bong Joon-ho’s direction is also impressive. He balances the action with moments of humor and reflection, which makes the film feel fresh and engaging. The pacing is mostly fast, with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, while also allowing time for character development.

The performances are another standout aspect. Robert Pattinson's portrayal of Mickey is fantastic, showing the character’s growth and emotional journey. He gives each version of Mickey his own personality, making it easy to tell them apart. Nasha’s role, played by Naomi Ackie, is also important, as she sees Mickey as a person, not just a clone, and supports him in ways others don’t.

While Mickey 17 is an exciting and visually stunning film, it does have some weaknesses. The movie touches on a lot of different ideas, but it doesn’t always explore them in as much depth as it could. The pacing can also be an issue in the middle of the film. After the action-packed beginning, the plot slows down as the characters focus on their personal conflicts. This part of the movie might feel a little dragged out, especially if you're looking for more action or suspense. Additionally, the villains, especially Marshall and Ylfa, don’t have much depth. While Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette give strong performances, their characters sometimes feel more like stereotypical bad guys. Their motivations are clear, but the movie doesn’t explore them fully, which might make their actions feel a bit shallow.

Despite a few flaws, Mickey 17 is a must-watch movie, especially for fans of science fiction and Bong Joon-ho’s unique style. The movie combines exciting action, deep themes, and memorable performances to create a film that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. If you want to experience Mickey 17 in the most immersive way possible, head to Scope Cinemas. Scope Cinema hosted a VIP screening of Mickey 17 exclusively for ‘Scope Reel Rebels’ members. The event was a major highlight, offering a premium viewing experience, and providing an incredible opportunity to witness the breathtaking visuals and thrilling storyline in an immersive setting. If you missed the event, be sure to check out upcoming screenings at Scope Cinemas for more exclusive experiences.

Rating: 4.0/5.0 – Mickey 17 is an exciting, visually stunning sci-fi movie with great performances and big ideas. It has a few storytelling issues, but it’s still a film you don’t want to miss.