While I can’t say I didn’t have a great time with Mickey 17, it still left a little more to be desired. Buried within all the chaos is a simpler, more intimate movie—one that, if fully realised, could have been my favourite film of the year. But ultimately, it doesn’t amount to much more than just a fun time. That said, there are far worse ways to spend a couple of hours than enjoying a film expertly crafted by Bong Joon Ho.
At its best, Mickey 17 thrives in its smaller scale, character focused moments, particularly when exploring Mickey’s internal struggles and the conflict between Mickey 17 and Mickey 18. These moments are definitely the highlight of the film, showcasing Robert Pattinson at his absolute best. He delivers an incredible dual performance, making both characters feel distinct yet also deeply connected.
The political commentary, while fairly on the nose, works well within the story. Bong has never been one for subtlety, often tackling his themes head on and in a slightly over the top manner. But this is part of the reason everyone loves Bong Joon Ho. However, where the film starts to lose me is with the creeper subplot, which eventually overtakes the main narrative and is far less compelling than much of what we see in the first two acts. I really expected the main focus to be on the multiples and the impact that could have, but outside of a few scenes, that plot is largely glossed over and forgotten by the time the third act comes around.
Coming off the back of the cinematic triumph that is Parasite, expectations were obviously sky high, and while Mickey 17 may fail to reach some of those expectations, it remains an incredibly well crafted film and an enjoyable experience that I would definitely recommend. It may not be perfect, but there’s still plenty to admire—even if it leaves you wondering what could have been.
Review by Jacob Wolfe
Wolfe At The Movies 
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