Joon Ho’s latest film, Mickey 17, is as ambitious as it is uneven. Based on Edward Ashton’s novel, the sci-fi drama blends existential musings with dark humour, but despite its high-concept premise and stellar lead performance, the film doesn’t fully stick the landing.
Robert Pattinson is, without question, the highlight. As the titular Mickey — a disposable clone sent on a perilous mission — he delivers a performance that is oddly charming, deeply committed, and bolstered by impressive voice work. If there was ever doubt about his range, Mickey 17 dispels it completely. His portrayal is layered, balancing absurdity with moments of genuine pathos, making his character(s) the emotional core of an otherwise unwieldy narrative.
However, the film’s pacing is an issue. While its premise is intriguing, Mickey 17 drags in places, with certain philosophical ruminations feeling overly drawn out. At times, it echoes Bong Joon Ho’s earlier work — particularly Snowpiercer — but without the same taut energy. Instead, it leans more into satire, with Mark Ruffalo’s Kenneth Marshall embodying an all-too-familiar tech mogul archetype. The parallels to Elon Musk are unmistakable, from the self-aggrandising speeches to the desperate hunger for validation. His presence immediately evokes comparisons to The Hunger Games’ Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci), though without the same theatrical flair.
Visually, the film is impressive. Joon Ho crafts a world that is both sterile and lived-in, a testament to his eye for production design. But despite its aesthetic strengths, the film’s social commentary feels somewhat blunt, particularly given the current state of US politics. The allegories are clear, but they lack the nuance of the director’s previous works.
Mickey 17 is ultimately a mixed bag. Pattinson’s performance elevates the film, but its excessive runtime and heavy-handed messaging prevent it from reaching the heights of Joon Ho’s best work. It’s worth watching for its lead, but don’t be surprised if you leave the cinema feeling slightly bewildered.