Mickey 17 is a film adaptation of Mickey7, a science fiction novel by Edward Ashton.
The story is easy to follow: Robert Pattinson plays Mickey Barnes, or more specifically, Mickey 17, one of many disposable workers called “Expendables” on a space colony.
Whenever he dies (which happens a lot, often in ridiculous ways), a new version of him is printed with all his memories but a fresh body. The real problem starts when Mickey 17, assumed dead, comes back to find Mickey 18 already there. And there can’t be multiples.
With Robert Pattinson’s voiceover setting the mood from the start, it’s clear this isn’t a typical sci-fi blockbuster.
Director Bong Joon-ho (who also directed the Oscar-winning Parasite) blends corporate satire, existential crisis, and dark comedy. The movie is a somewhat absurd take on what it means to be replaceable in a future that doesn’t feel too far off.
The film’s biggest strength is undoubtedly its acting. Robert Pattinson delivers a phenomenal performance, capturing his character’s existential crisis and humour. He has again proven he shines in unconventional roles, playing different versions of Mickey with subtle differences while keeping them recognisably the same.
Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall is equally outstanding, bringing charisma to his role. Even other members of the cast – Naomi Ackie as Nasha, Holliday Grainger as Gemma, and Toni Collette as Gwen- make this a must-watch for the acting alone.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its handling of internal monologues. In several scenes, Robert Pattinson doesn’t have audible dialogue, but we hear his inner thoughts as a voiceover, giving us a deeper understanding of his character’s psyche.
This narrative technique adds a unique layer to the storytelling. A tighter edit could have helped maintain momentum, but overall, the film still delivers an immersive experience.
Visually, Mickey 17 mixes a worn-out, low-tech sci-fi look with strange, beautiful moments. The ship’s dull hallways contrast with the alien planet, and while the CGI creatures aren’t super realistic, they match the movie’s exaggerated tone. The action is more about survival than a big spectacle.
I haven’t read the novel, so I can’t say how true to the source the adaptation is, but as a standalone sci-fi film, Mickey 17 is a solid watch.
Whether you’re a fan of the book or just looking for a gripping story with stellar performances, this one is worth checking out. Mickey 17 is in cinemas now!
Our Rating – 4/5
