Movie Watch Diary #14: Mickey 17 – A Sci-Fi Satire with Bite and Heart

Welcome back to my Movie Watch Diary on Bookimov: Books & Movies! For my fourteenth entry, I dove into Mickey 17 (2025), a sci-fi black comedy directed by Bong Joon-ho, whose Parasite blew me away. This film, adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, blends thrilling space adventure, dark humor, and sharp social commentary, making it a standout for me as a sci-fi fan. With its exploration of cloning ethics and class disparity, it’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, earning a 7.5/10 from me. Let’s unpack why this movie shines, and as always, I need your movie picks for my next diary!

Mickey 17 (2025) - The Plot: A Disposable Hero in a Dystopian Future

Set in 2054, Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), a debt-ridden everyman who joins a space expedition to colonize the icy planet Niflheim to escape a loan shark. As an “Expendable,” Mickey takes on deadly tasks—testing alien viruses, repairing spaceship hulls in radiation zones—dying repeatedly and being reprinted as a clone with his memories intact. By the time we meet him, he’s Mickey 17, the seventeenth iteration. The plot thickens when Mickey 17 survives a mission, only for Mickey 18 to be printed, creating two Mickeys who must hide their coexistence, as clones are forbidden to exist simultaneously. Their struggle unfolds under the watch of Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo), a megalomaniacal ex-politician leading the expedition, and his eccentric wife, Ylfa (Toni Collette). The story escalates with the discovery of Niflheim’s intelligent native creatures, the “Creepers,” who challenge the human colonizers’ plans. It’s a wild ride of dark comedy, sci-fi action, and moral dilemmas, with Mickey navigating survival, identity, and rebellion alongside his ally, Nasha (Naomie Ackie).

A Sharp Sci-Fi Critique of Exploitation

The sci-fi premise of cloning and using Expendables like Mickey hooked me instantly. The idea of reprinting someone to die repeatedly for dangerous jobs is a chilling metaphor for real-world labor systems. As I watched, I saw parallels to how millions of workers are treated as disposable by corporations and politicians, much like Kenneth Marshall, who lives in luxury while Mickey faces death after death. The film’s dark comedy amplifies this critique, exposing the absurdity of valuing profit over human lives. Bong Joon-ho, known for tackling class issues in Parasite and Snowpiercer, delivers a biting satire of capitalism and exploitation, making you question who the real “expendables” are in our world.

The Trumpian Satire of Kenneth Marshall

One element that jumped out was Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of Kenneth Marshall, a flamboyant, self-obsessed leader with oversized veneers, awkward dance moves, and a cult-like following sporting red hats. The resemblance to Donald Trump, now U.S. President, is unmistakable—down to his brash speeches and obsession with image. While some reviews call it heavy-handed, I found the satire fitting for a sci-fi comedy, even if exaggerated. It’s a bold jab at authoritarianism and populism, and Ruffalo leans into the absurdity with gusto, making Marshall both laughable and sinister. Toni Collette’s Ylfa, with her sauce obsession and scheming energy, adds a quirky layer to this power couple, amplifying the film’s comedic edge.

Pattinson’s Masterful Dual Performance

Robert Pattinson’s performance as Mickey 17 and 18 is a highlight. He plays both versions with distinct flair, showcasing his range. Mickey 17 is a weary, sarcastic underdog, worn down by his endless deaths but clinging to hope through his bond with Nasha. Mickey 18, however, is aggressive and volatile, almost unhinged, possibly due to a faulty cloning process (a throwaway line hints at a scientist’s error during his creation). Pattinson nails their differences—17’s dry humor versus 18’s edgy intensity—making their interactions crackle with tension and comedy. His ability to shift between these personas, sometimes in the same scene, proves why he’s a standout actor, far beyond his Twilight days.

The Creepers and a Message on Perspective

The native creatures, called “Creepers” by the humans, are a brilliant addition. These insect-like, intelligent beings, initially seen as threats, reveal a surprising depth—they can bluff and strategize, outsmarting the colonizers. A pivotal moment comes when a character notes, “They’re not aliens; we’re the aliens on their planet.” This flips the narrative, forcing you to rethink who the invaders are. It’s a powerful message about perspective, colonialism, and the arrogance of assuming superiority, delivered with subtlety amid the film’s chaos.

Ratings and a Minor Critique

Mickey 17 has earned a 6.8/10 on IMDb (from early reviews) and a 77% on Rotten Tomatoes (from 404 critics, audience score 71%), praised for Pattinson’s performance and Bong’s satire but criticized for pacing issues. My gripe? The third act drags, with the Creeper conflict overshadowing the cloning drama, making the resolution feel rushed and less impactful than it could be. Still, the film’s humor and visuals keep it engaging.

A Rewatchable Sci-Fi Gem

Mickey 17 is a bold, funny, and poignant sci-fi adventure that critiques exploitation and identity while delivering laughs and heart. Pattinson’s dual role, Ruffalo’s Trumpian satire, and the Creeper twist make it memorable, even if it doesn’t match Parasite’s precision. I give it a 7.5/10 and would rewatch to catch its nuanced jabs and visual flair. If you love sci-fi with a social edge, this is for you.

What did you think of Mickey 17? Did the satire or cloning themes resonate? Share your thoughts below! Also, I’m hunting for my next Movie Watch Diary pick. Got a movie you think I should watch? Drop your suggestion in the comments, and it might star in my next post on Bookimov: Books & Movies. Until next time, keep exploring the cosmos!

See also: The Ultimate Terminator Franchise Guide: My Rewatch Journey