Mickey 17 Review: Robert Pattinson’s exceptional performance can’t save Bong Jon Hoos satirical mess

 Bong Jong Hoo, acclaimed for his oscar winning Parasite, returns for his english-language debut 6 years later  - Mickey 17. Whilst the movie has been dubbed as one of the most anticipated films of 2025 for the masses, boasting an incredible cast including Robert Pattinson as the titular role, Steven Yuen and Mark Ruffalo - does the unique  Sci-Fi live up to the hype? 

The first Act introduces us to our titular character Mickey, who - after exploring his backstory through a shift in narrative  - we learn of him as a somewhat lonely figure that struggles to fit in and make money within society,  though all that changes when he takes up his role as an Expendable - a person who ‘never dies’ as his consciousness is replicated in a new body -  on a new space-operation launched by our fictional and somewhat boisterous US president in the film, Kenneth Marshall (Played by Mark Ruffalo). On the ship  loneliness ends for the better, meeting his true love Nash (Naomi Ackie). This first act set up balances the emotion, satire and existentialist in a great fashion, and is arguably my favorite part of the film. All this takes a different route, however, when the philosophical implications of the film come to play - there is a subtle shift in tone. After a strong start, Mickey 17 begins to veer into a more overtly satire, which, while unique, ultimately undercuts the philosophical depth it initially teases. Joon-ho, as known for his masterful blending of social commentary and character-driven storytelling, leans too heavily into this satire, making the film feel less like a thought-provoking exploration of existence and more like a biting, exaggerated critique.

This tonal shift also comes at the expense of character development. What starts as a compelling, existential journey for Mickey and those around him gradually loses its emotional weight, as characters become less logically consistent, acting more as mouthpieces for the film’s themes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. The narrative, rather than deepening our connection with Mickey’s journey, becomes more concerned with broad societal satire, sacrificing the depth of its characters in the process.

The third act, in particular, takes a turn for the absurd. While Bong has always thrived in blending genres, here the rapid escalation of ideas—introducing numerous additional themes and conflicts—results in a finale that feels more chaotic than cohesive. Instead of a satisfying resolution, the film struggles to balance all its moving parts, leading to an ending that lacks the precision and poignancy of his previous work.

That said, the film isn’t without its strengths. The visual effects are stunning, showcasing an immersive sci-fi world that is both intricate and captivating. Additionally, Robert Pattinson (as our titular Mickey)  and Steven Yeun deliver fantastic performances, grounding the film even when the narrative wavers. Pattinson, in particular, brings a compelling depth to Mickey - as he basically plays many distinct characters - making his existential struggles feel palpable even as the script pulls him in different directions.

Ultimately, Mickey 17 is an ambitious, visually stunning film that struggles to balance its themes and tone. While it starts as an introspective sci-fi tale, its shift toward heavy-handed satire dilutes the emotional core and character depth, leading to an inconsistent and, at times, absurd conclusion. Bong Joon-ho remains a visionary, but this time, the execution doesn’t quite match the ambition—perhaps leaving audiences wishing for a little more Bong Joon-hope for his next project