Mickey 17 (15) |Close-Up Film Review

Bong Joon-ho dives into deep space with Mickey 17, delivering a visually stunning and conceptually rich sci-fi spectacle that’s part existential thriller, part dark comedy.

Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel of the same name, the film follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), a disposable worker on a frozen exoplanet, who discovers that his latest clone has arrived before he’s officially dead. Cue an identity crisis filled with philosophical dilemmas, biting satire, and high-stakes thrills.

Having stayed up all night watching the Oscars, this screening was a true test of endurance. Running on fumes and sheer willpower, I locked into super-focused zoom mode, determined to keep my eyes open. And somehow, against all odds, Mickey 17 managed to pull me through! That alone speaks volumes about the film’s gripping power.

Pattinson is electrifying, giving one of his most versatile performances yet—balancing humour, desperation, and an eerie sense of detachment. Naomi Ackie commands the screen with raw intensity, while Mark Ruffalo steals nearly every scene with his sharp comedic timing and satirical edge, reminiscent of Bong’s previous jabs at political power structures (Parasite, Snowpiercer).

Visually, the film is nothing short of breathtaking. Cinematographer Darius Khondji captures the stark beauty of the icy colony, while Bong’s direction maintains an air of unpredictability. The first two acts are enthralling, dripping with mystery, tension, and existential weight. However, the third act takes a conventional turn, leaning into blockbuster spectacle over deeper introspection. Some may find the satire a bit heavy-handed, and the film’s pacing—alternating between slow-burning tension and rushed resolutions—can feel uneven.

That said, Mickey 17 is an ambitious and exhilarating watch, showcasing Bong Joon-ho’s signature ability to fuse genres, social critique, and character-driven storytelling. It may not be his tightest work, but it’s undeniably bold, visually mesmerizing, and packed with ideas that will linger long after the credits roll.

A fascinating, ambitious sci-fi odyssey that kept me awake against all odds!

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

On April 7th, “Mickey 17” will be available for early Premium Digital Ownership at home and for 48-hour rental via PVOD on participating digital platforms where you purchase movies.

On May 26th, “Mickey 17” will be available to own on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD. “Mickey 17” will also continue to be available to own in high definition and standard definition from participating digital retailers.

4K, BLU-RAY & DVD ELEMENTS

“Mickey 17” 4K UHD and Blu-ray contain the following special features:  

·         Behind the Lens: Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17 (11:32)

·         Mickey 17: A World Reimagined (9:44)

·         The Faces of Niflheim (8:00)

BASICS 

Premium Digital Ownership: April 7th

4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD Street Date: May 26^th

4K Languages: English, Canadian French, Latin Spanish

4K Subtitles: English SDH, Danish, Finnish, Latin Spanish, Norwegian, Parisian French, Swedish

BD Languages: English, Canadian French, Latin Spanish

BD Subtitles: English SDH, Danish, Finnish, Latin Spanish, Norwegian, Parisian French, Swedish

Running Time: 137 minutes

DVD Languages: English, Castilian Spanish, Italian

DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Italian SDH, Castilian Spanish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish

Running Time: 130 minutes

Rating: BBFC 15 / strong language, violence, injury detail, sex, drug misuse / IFCO 15

DVD: DLBY/DGTL

4K UHD and Blu-ray: ATMOS TrueHD, DLBY/DGTL