by Jeremy Kazieva,
Mickey 17 is a truly unique and unconventional sci-fi film that pushes Robert Pattinson’s acting to new heights. His performance fully captures the essence of a true actor, making him a strong contender for next year’s Best Actor nomination. This R-rated film is bizarre, original, and unexpectedly hilarious. Director Bong Joon-Ho delivers a distinct level of cinematography and storytelling, giving Pattinson the perfect stage to showcase his exceptional talent.
The film’s setting is truly distinctive, evoking the atmospheric brilliance of Interstellar and Guardians of the Galaxy through its immersive environment and intricate costume designs. However, with a storyline that sets it apart from other sci-fi films, the real excitement begins when Robert Pattinson’s character unexpectedly encounters his own accidental clone, forcing him to collaborate with himself to save humanity. With no definitive villain, the film centers entirely on Robert’s character, Mickey, highlighting his ability to push his acting limits as he masterfully portrays not one but two versions of himself. As an “expendable,” both the set designs and Mickey himself are crafted with remarkable detail, while the film’s color grading adds a visually stunning layer to the experience.
The addition of Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, and Naomi Ackie brings both humor and intensity to the film. Naomi shines as the love interest, Steven delivers as the loyal friend, and Mark commands the screen as the Marshal, each contributing just enough to keep the film engaging and dynamic. While the story primarily revolves around Mickey, the supporting characters receive a well-balanced amount of screen time, exceeding expectations with their performances and adding depth to the overall narrative. As mentioned earlier, the villain was highly underwhelming, making the overall objective feel dull and uninspired. The lack of a compelling antagonist left certain moments feeling stagnant, missing the tension and excitement that could have elevated the film’s stakes.
All in all, Mickey 17 is shaping up to be one of 2025’s biggest surprise hits. As strange and unconventional as it is, the film introduces fresh ideas to the sci-fi genre while showcasing Robert Pattinson’s incredible range as an actor. At its core, it’s a uniquely crafted story about a man whose sole purpose is to take on dangerous missions—only to be “reborn” every time he dies, earning him the title of an “expendable.” A must-watch for both sci-fi enthusiasts and Robert Pattinson fans alike.