Mickey 17 (2025)

Mickey 17 is the kind of big, brash science-fiction ride that actually has something on its mind, pairing eye-popping spectacle with a mischievous sense of humor and a sharp, humane satirical bite. It takes a wonderfully absurd premise—employment taken to its most literal extreme—and spins it into an adventurous, fast-moving vibe that keeps you laughing even as it quietly needles the way power treats people as disposable. Robert Pattinson is the secret weapon here, giving a sly, surprisingly layered performance that makes each version of Mickey feel distinct and oddly endearing. If you like your sci-fi smart but not self-serious, this one’s a blast; if you prefer solemn, straight-faced futurism, the comedy-forward tone may not be your speed.

Mickey 17 is clearly aiming for that Bong Joon-ho sweet spot: a sharp sci-fi concept used to poke at work, power, and identity, with enough weird humor to keep it from feeling like homework. The problem is it can feel like it’s juggling too many ideas at once, so the story turns uneven, the pacing lurches, and a few subplots land like sketches that never became full scenes. Some of the messaging also comes through a bit heavy-handed, which dulls the bite the premise promises and leaves the ending feeling more shrug than punch. If you want a tight, focused sci-fi adventure or the controlled brilliance of his best films, you may walk away disappointed—but if you’re happy to ride a messy, inventive satire with strong moments and an offbeat tone, there’s still something to enjoy.