"The script is sharp, blending humor with insightful social commentary, reminiscent of his previous works"

Presented at this year’s Berlinale Special Gala, Mickey 17 confirms Bong Joon-ho’s talent for blending entertainment with deeper reflections on human nature. Based on Edward Ashton’s novel, the story follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an “expendable” crew member sent on a mission to colonize an icy planet. His job? To take on deadly tasks and be replaced by a new clone every time he dies—while keeping all his memories intact.

Pattinson’s performance is brilliant, showcasing his skills by portraying multiple versions of Mickey, each with subtle differences yet convincingly connected.

The film also features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. At the press conference, Collette—and really, the entire cast—shared that they agreed to the project before even reading the script, highlighting the trust and admiration they have for Bong Joon-ho’s vision.

Bong Joon-ho’s signature style is evident throughout the film. The script is sharp, blending humor with insightful social commentary, reminiscent of his previous works like Parasite and Snowpiercer. The film offers a fresh take on sci-fi themes, exploring complex ideas without sacrificing entertainment.

One of the things I truly appreciated was how beautifully the love story is told. It captures passion, connection, and deep emotions without resorting to unnecessary nudity or explicit sex scenes, proving that intimacy can be portrayed powerfully through storytelling alone, without feeling gratuitous.

Bong Joon-ho is truly a remarkable director. If we don’t want to take the word of the actors who have praised him endlessly, let’s just look at how he managed to make the extraterrestrial creatures look cute, scary, and funny all at once!

A brilliant film—entertaining, thoughtful, and full of personality.