Mickey 17

Anticipation was already high as to what Korean director extraordinaire Bong Joon-ho had in store as a follow-up to the cultural landslide that was Parasite. It was amplified to the extreme by continued pushbacks to the feature’s release date, to the point where the announcement of its premiere at the 75^th Berlinale was considered a hoax by some. However, we can confirm that the film is indeed real, and that this overinflated hype does not eclipse the final outcome.

Speaking of inflation, it’s an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey 17, but with decidedly more variations of Robert Pattinson’s eponymous character. Set in the not too distant future, the exploration of potential habitats for a space colony necessitates a human guinea pig on the frontlines, exposing themself to radiations, viruses and local wildlife. These moribund souls are deemed “expendables,” their experience collected as data and after one expires, another is printed with the same genetic material and memories. Problems arise when the 17^th Mickey is falsely pronounced dead and returns to base after his mission, only to find his successor already having claimed his spot.

Every piece of science fiction is, in some way, a meditation on the realities we already face, but Mickey 17 seems to outpace itself, layering metaphors, ethical dilemmas and moral imperatives that feel distant at first – until we realise just how relevant they truly are. Wrapped in humour, the philosophical implications are easily digestible, but can send viewers on a wrong track in terms of underestimating the emotional impact the film is fully capable of delivering.

As a look at Pattinson’s career shows, his performances excel particularly when led by auteur directors, but also if he is given the chance to play slightly peculiar characters – both of which go hand in hand with his screwball interpretation of Mickey Barnes. Naomi Ackie, whose lead role in Blink Twice finally secured her worldwide breakthrough, not only plays Mickey’s love interest but also delivers a powerful speech that carries the film’s core message. It was so impactful that it drew applause from a usually reserved press audience mid-scene.

One must not forget that before Parasite there were Snowpiercer and Okja. In true Bong Joon-ho manner, Mickey 17 is not only an exalting, gravity-defying shuttle ride aiming straight for celestial spheres, but should jolt all of us awake, making us comprehend that no life or life form is less deserving of life than another. While this may result in the film facing resistance from some audience members – much like Don’t Look Up did – it proves that it was well worth the wait.

Selina Sondermann

Mickey 17 is released nationwide on 7^th March 2025.

Watch the trailer for Mickey 17 here:

Read more reviews from our Berlin Film Festival coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Berlin Film Festival website here.