The film is based on Edward Ashton's novel "Mickey 7" and transports viewers to a grim future where human life has lost its value in a world of total capitalism. The protagonist, Mickey Barnes, is forced to become a "disposable" — a person sent on deadly missions to colonize new worlds. Here, death is not the end but merely a reason to create a new copy while retaining memories. Soon, Mickey encounters his clone, known as Mickey 18, which serves as a catalyst for profound reflections on the essence of identity and the cost of human existence.
Bong Joon-ho, who gained international acclaim with "Parasite," managed to maintain his unique vision even amid challenging post-production conditions and disputes with producers. His ability to blend dynamic action, original visual style, and relevant socio-political commentary makes the film both compelling and multi-layered. The movie addresses issues of automation, labor exploitation, and the ruthless impact of the global economy, prompting viewers to consider how replaceable humans can be in today's world.
The story unfolds in a future where Earth becomes uninhabitable, forcing humans to embark on perilous missions to colonize new planets.
Special mention should be made of Robert Pattinson, who plays a dual role as both Mickey 17 and his clone, Mickey 18. The actor masterfully conveys a full range of emotions, from comedic bewilderment to profound existential struggle. Supporting roles by Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette, embodying the ruthless elite and harsh authority, add further complexity to the film.
"Mickey 17" emerges not just as a sci-fi blockbuster but as a finely crafted existential parable, where each scene invites reflection on the fate of contemporary society. Despite the dark tones, the director manages to offer viewers a hint of an American happy ending, suggesting the possibility of change even in the most hopeless circumstances.
The film's production faced several challenges, including strikes by the writers' and actors' guilds, which led to multiple premiere delays but ultimately resulted in a film that sparked intense discussions at international film festivals.
The factual accuracy of the material is confirmed by leading publications, highlighting the premium screening at the Berlinale, the nuances of editing, and fidelity to the original literary concept. "Mickey 17" has already become a significant cultural event of 2025, raising important questions about the future of humanity, and demonstrating how contemporary cinema can merge high artistic craftsmanship with profound socio-philosophical content.
This material was entirely written with the assistance of ChatGPT but has been meticulously edited by the Naked Science editorial team.