MICKEY 17: A Superhero Like No Other [REVIEW]

The 75th Berlin Film Festival—an egalitarian celebration of European cinema that never shies away from politics and diverse perspectives—welcomes its distinguished guests in an unusually harsh, frosty atmosphere that isn’t exactly conducive to all-day artistic indulgence. Yet this time, nothing but excitement and anticipation fills the air as audiences rush to their seats, eager to be among the first in the world to witness one of the most awaited films of the coming months. Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho’s first project since the monumental success of Parasite, is by far his most ambitious and mainstream production to date—both in budget and star power—compared to the likes of Okja and Snowpiercer. So why does this seemingly out-of-place blockbuster find itself at a festival renowned for arthouse cinema and bold, unconventional selections that stray further from the tastes of the American Academy? The answer becomes obvious from the very first scenes—Bong Joon-ho and his unconventional protagonist, Mickey Barnes, invite us to an exhilarating cinematic feast that fully satisfies the expectations of the director’s devoted fans. From razor-sharp humor to weighty socio-political discourse, Mickey 17 remains deeply rooted in the themes that have defined the South Korean filmmaker’s career.

Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) is the most atypical superhero humanity has ever seen—his appearance, personality, and intellect stray far from the mold of a noble warrior fighting evil. Yet, through sheer dumb luck, he lands one of the most coveted jobs in this futuristic world. As a “Disposable”, his official title, Mickey’s purpose is to contribute to scientific advancement and help restore an environment devastated by a deadly virus. The somewhat clumsy, anxiety-ridden young volunteer embarks on a mysterious space mission under the watchful eye of the eccentric businessman Hieronymous Marshall (Mark Ruffalo). His primary task? Dying. Over and over again. Each time returning to life in a new body, retaining memories of his past selves.

Aboard the expedition’s spacecraft, where every crew member is rationed meager, unappetizing meals and the concept of freedom is nothing more than a hollow promise from the power-hungry Marshall family, intimacy between volunteers is strictly forbidden. Yet Mickey finds a kindred spirit in Nasha (Naomi Ackie), the only person who sees him as more than a disposable outcast.

Of course, even the most meticulously planned experiment has room for error. In Mickey’s case, that error takes the form of Duplication. When scientists mistakenly assume Mickey 17 has perished on the frozen planet Niflheim, they print a fresh clone—an unforeseen complication that soon disrupts both his love life and the fate of the entire mission.

With Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho delivers a wildly unrestrained cinematic ride. The director, long celebrated for his critiques of consumerism and social exploitation, remains steadfast in his satirical niche, setting his latest story in a near-future world as ruthless and dehumanized as our present reality.

Hieronymous Marshall and his venomous wife Gwen (Toni Collette) are the epitome of power-hungry dictators—characters eerily reminiscent of real-world figures throughout history. The exploitation of the Disposables, who are oblivious to the true cost of their service, draws clear parallels to the inhumane treatment of political prisoners. Meanwhile, the crew’s battle against the so-called “enemy”—mysterious creatures from Niflheim—is a fabricated conflict, designed to justify the Marshalls’ authority. Naturally, it’s up to Pattinson’s terrified, ill-equipped hero to challenge this deception.

Parasite’s biting social critique, Okja’s environmental message, and Snowpiercer’s anti-establishment defiance all find their way into Mickey 17—yet this time, the film embraces grotesque absurdity, non-stop laughter, and pure entertainment alongside its pressing political themes. The relentless pace and comedic energy don’t stop Bong from weaving in layers of contemporary relevance—those who fail to recognize Mark Ruffalo’s character as a caricature of the newly elected U.S. President might have simply wandered into the wrong screening.

Robert Pattinson, already known for his impressive dramatic chops, reaches new heights with Mickey 17—not only juggling multiple versions of the same character but also showcasing his sharp comedic timing. His Mickey, through all 18 iterations, is a lovable underdog—clumsy, painfully honest, and endearingly naive, standing in stark contrast to the traditional superhero archetype.

The film delivers a scathing critique of oppressive systems, corrupt leaders blinded by greed, and humanity’s struggle to reclaim its lost order—without resorting to violent revolution. Bong Joon-ho portrays the elite as synonymous with tyranny and deceit, while scientific “progress” comes at the cost of innocent suffering. Even the film’s running gag—Mrs. Marshall’s obsessive fixation on sauces—becomes a satirical jab at the ridiculous indulgences of the privileged, who hoard luxuries while the rest of humanity fights for survival.

At its core, the chaotic yet deeply human connection between Mickey and Nasha remains the film’s beating heart—the most unconventional love story the future has ever seen.

Narratively, Mickey 17 isn’t without its flaws. While its two-hour runtime is packed with relentless action and humor, leaving no room for boredom, it’s also Bong Joon-ho’s most straightforward, least ambiguous work. Some longtime fans may find its directness a bit disappointing, especially compared to the layered storytelling of Parasite.

Nevertheless, Mickey 17 proves that Bong can deliver large-scale, mainstream spectacle without abandoning his signature themes. Though it may lack the narrative perfection of Parasite, it still offers a thrilling, genre-bending experience filled with unforgettable moments.

It’s unfortunate, however, that the film’s March release date may hinder its chances in the awards race—a time slot that rarely favors Oscar contenders. But does Bong Joon-ho even care about competing with Hollywood’s biggest productions anymore? His collaboration with Warner Bros. marks a new chapter in his career—one that maintains his artistic DNA while reaching a much broader audience.

Does Mickey 17 lose anything in this shift toward the mainstream? Aside from a few minor storytelling hiccups and a slightly too-heroic ending, absolutely not. It’s the same exhilarating chaos, the same rule-breaking genius—only this time, launched straight into space.