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mickey 17 (film, 2025)

My feelings about this film are somewhat mixed. While Mickey 17 certainly has its strengths, I don't believe it meets the standard of Bong Joon Ho's finest work.

The central concept is thought-provoking -- Robert Pattinson plays Mickey, one in a line of disposable clones sent to explore a hostile planet. Each time one dies, the next is activated, naturally raising compelling questions about identity and mortality. Pattinson captures this predicament with nuance, balancing dark humor and pathos effectively. Naomi Ackie as Nasha is impressive as well, bringing both strength and empathy to her role.

Where the film felt less successful to me was in its social commentary. Mark Ruffalo’s executive character comes across more as a caricature than a complex antagonist, and the story involving native creatures leans into metaphor a bit too heavily. The tonal shifts - from dark comedy to drama to social critique -- can also feel jarring, lacking the seamless transitions seen in Bong’s best work.

Still, despite these criticisms, the film remains engaging, largely thanks to its core premise and Pattinson’s performance. The production values are top-tier, and Bong’s distinct visual sensibility is evident throughout. So while Mickey 17 is ambitious and offers plenty to chew on, it’s best approached with moderated expectations. It’s worth seeing -- especially for science fiction fans.