Mickey 17 is an upcoming science fiction black comedy film directed by Bong Joon-ho. It is based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7 and boasts a stellar cast, including Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. This highly anticipated film is scheduled to premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2025, with theatrical releases in South Korea on February 28, 2025, and in the United States on March 7, 2025.
The story revolves around Mickey Barnes, an “expendable” hired for a dangerous space mission to colonize the ice world Niflheim. The plot takes a dark turn when Mickey 17, one of his iterations, unexpectedly survives and faces existential challenges, including conflicts with Mickey 18, another clone.
Before diving into the film, here’s everything parents and viewers need to know about its age rating and content.
Mickey 17 Age Rating
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has rated Mickey 17 R (Restricted). This means the film is intended for viewers aged 17 and older. Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The rating reflects the film’s mature themes and content.
Parents Guide: Why Rated R?
The film’s R rating is attributed to the following elements:
Violent Content
- The film features intense sci-fi action scenes, including battles with alien creatures and conflicts between human characters.
- Themes of cloning and disposability result in graphic depictions of injuries and deaths.
- Violence is heightened by the psychological struggle between Mickey 17 and Mickey 18.
- Graphic and sometimes unsettling scenes of death and regeneration, as Mickey Barnes repeatedly dies and is cloned.
- Alien creatures and hostile environments contribute to intense action sequences.
- Emotional violence as characters grapple with existential crises and ethical dilemmas.
Language Throughout
- Strong and frequent use of profanity is present, including explicit language in moments of frustration, tension, and humor.
Sexual Content
- The film includes scenes of intimacy between characters, with partial nudity and suggestive dialogue.
- Themes of relationships in a high-stress, futuristic environment contribute to the mature nature of these scenes.
- Implied relationships and moments of intimacy are pivotal to character development but may be uncomfortable for younger viewers.
Drug Material
- Characters are seen using futuristic drugs, possibly to cope with the harsh environment of Niflheim or the psychological toll of their mission.
- Substance use is depicted in a way that adds to the dystopian tone of the film.
- Depictions of futuristic drug use may be concerning for younger viewers.
Recommendations for Parents
Parents should use discretion when allowing younger audiences to watch Mickey 17. If they choose to allow teens to view the film, they may want to watch it together and discuss its themes. Conversations about cloning, the value of individuality, and the ethical implications of expendability can help contextualize the filmâs darker aspects.
Conclusion
Mickey 17 promises to be a visually stunning and thought-provoking film with mature themes. Its R rating reflects its violent content, language, sexual scenes, and drug use. While the movie may not be suitable for children, fans of science fiction and Bong Joon-ho’s previous works are likely to find it an intriguing exploration of human nature in a dystopian future.