Mickey 17: New Movie 2025 Review

The movie “Mickey 17” is directed by Bong Joon-ho. It stars Robert Pattinson. It is one of the most anticipated sci-fi films of 2025. The film is based on the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. It blends psychological depth with existential themes. High-stakes adventure unfolds in a futuristic setting.

Plot Overview Movie

The story follows Mickey 17, a disposable employee sent on a colonization mission to an ice planet. In this future, “expendables” like Mickey are used for dangerous tasks. Whenever one dies, a new clone is regenerated with most of the previous version’s memories intact. Mickey 17 refuses to comply with this cycle of endless death and rebirth. He sets off a chain of events. These events challenge the mission’s survival and the very nature of identity.

What Works in the Film?

✅ Bong Joon-ho’s Signature Storytelling – Bong is the visionary director behind Parasite and Snowpiercer. He brings his unique blend of suspense, dark humor, and social commentary to Mickey 17. His ability to make thought-provoking films with deep emotional impact shines here.

✅ Robert Pattinson’s Performance – Pattinson continues to establish himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. He delivers a compelling performance as a man struggling with the existential dread of being endlessly replaced.

✅ Visually Stunning Sci-Fi World – With cinematographer Darius Khondji, the film presents a futuristic, eerie, and immersive world. The mix of practical effects and CGI makes for breathtaking visuals.

✅ Philosophical Themes – The movie raises deep questions about identity, mortality, and what it means to be human. If each version of Mickey retains memories of the past, is he truly the same person?

Potential Drawbacks

⚠️ Pacing Issues? – Bong Joon-ho is known for his slow-burning narratives. Some audiences might find the film’s philosophical depth slows down the action.

⚠️ Complex Themes May Not Appeal to Everyone – Mickey 17 might feel too cerebral. This happens if you’re looking for a straightforward sci-fi action movie. If you prefer direct storytelling, it may not be your style. At times, it challenges viewers with intricate concepts.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?

Absolutely! “Mickey 17” is a must-watch for sci-fi fans who enjoy thought-provoking storytelling and mind-bending narratives. Bong Joon-ho leads the project. Robert Pattinson delivers a powerful performance. The film offers both visual spectacle and deep existential themes. If you loved movies like Interstellar, Blade Runner 2049, or Snowpiercer, this film should be on your watchlist.

Based on the acclaimed novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, Mickey17 is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bong Joon-ho (Parasite, Snowpiercer). It is poised to be more than just a sci-fi adventure. Starring Robert Pattinson, the film tells the story of an “expendable.” This is a disposable employee on a human colony mission to a distant ice planet.

He is regenerated with most of his memories intact each time he dies. While the movie is not yet released (as of 2024), its core premise shows the expected themes. The director’s history of social commentary supports the prediction that the film will explore profound positive and negative ideas. These ideas will likely be about society, individuality, and the value of human life.

Positive Ideas for Society

1. The Resilience of Human Identity: The concept of Mickey continuously being reborn challenges our understanding of self. Positively, the story could champion the idea that human consciousness and identity are resilient. They can persist even through extreme trauma and replication. It suggests that our experiences—our memories—are the core of who we are. This message is potentially hopeful about the endurance of the self.
2. A Critique of Exploitative Systems: Bong Joon-ho’s films famously critique oppressive systems. Mickey17 will likely serve as a powerful allegory for the exploitation of labor. Workers are treated as disposable cogs in a machine for the benefit of a privileged few. By holding a mirror to this reality, the film can positively spark conversations about workers’ rights. It can promote discussions on corporate ethics. It also emphasizes the need to value every individual within a society, not just the ones at the top.
3. The Value of Empathy and Solidarity: Multiple versions of Mickey create conflict. This situation forces a conversation about empathy. The narrative could argue for solidarity among the oppressed. Recognizing our shared plight—even with copies of ourselves—is the first step. This step is crucial toward challenging an unjust system.
4. Questioning Blind Obedience for “The Greater Good”: Colony missions are often framed as noble, necessary sacrifices for humanity’s survival. The film will likely question this narrative. It will positively encourage audiences to think critically about when a mission stops being for “humanity.” Then it starts being for the powerful interests running it. It promotes the idea of questioning authority and defining one’s own purpose.

Negative Ideas for Society

1. The Devaluation of Human Life: The most immediate negative idea is the normalization of treating human life as utterly disposable. The corporation in the film has created a system where death is a minor logistical issue. It is not seen as a profound loss. This reflects a dystopian fear of a society overly focused on efficiency and goals. This focus completely erodes the inherent value of an individual life.
2. The Horror of a Caste System: The “Expendable” program creates a rigid social hierarchy. There are the valued, irreplaceable crew members and the expendable ones whose suffering is deemed meaningless. This presents a negative vision of a society. Technology is used to enforce a permanent underclass. It strips certain people of rights and personhood based on their designated function.
3. Identity Crisis and Loss of Self: For Mickey, the horror isn’t just dying—it’s being replaced. This introduces profound existential anxiety. If a perfect copy of you can take your place, what makes you unique? This negative idea explores the terror of being interchangeable. It also highlights the potential loss of individual agency and legacy in a world that can simply print a replacement.
4. Technological Solutionism as a Failure of Ethics: The society in Mickey17 uses cloning technology. It is not to better humanity. Instead, it sidesteps ethical problems. Instead of creating safer working conditions or valuing their crew, they use technology to create a slave class. This sends a negative warning. Advanced technology can perpetuate cruelty and injustice. It fails to solve these problems, reflecting a concept known as “techno-solutionism.”

Conclusion

While Mickey17 is set in a distant, frozen galaxy, its central themes are deeply rooted in contemporary human anxieties. Through the eyes of its cloned protagonist, the film aims to explore contrasting concepts. It warns us of a future where humanity’s worst tendencies—exploitation, devaluation of life, and oppressive hierarchies—are amplified by technology.

Positively, it promises to champion the resilience of the individual spirit. It emphasizes the necessity of empathy. It also highlights the courage to fight for one’s identity against a system designed to erase it. The film is similar to Bong Joon-ho’s previous work. It will likely not provide easy answers. Instead, it will hold up a dark, compelling mirror. It challenges society to confront the direction in which it is headed. It also examines the ethical cost of its progress.