Mickey 17 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mickey 17

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2025

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Dark sci-fi comedy about a guy whose job is literally dying over and over—existential crisis meets corporate dystopia on ice.

6.7/10

78%

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Mickey 17

movie

R, 2025

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Dark sci-fi comedy about a guy whose job is literally dying over and over—existential crisis meets corporate dystopia on ice.

6.7

78%

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6.7/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Mickey 17 is smart, original sci-fi with real ideas—but it's definitely not family movie night material. The premise alone (guy dies repeatedly as part of his job) tells you this is dark, mature content that'll make you think but might also make you uncomfortable.

The good news: it's from a director who knows how to blend social commentary with genre filmmaking, and the critical reception suggests he pulled it off. If you've got a 15+ teen who's into Black Mirror or philosophical sci-fi, this could spark some genuinely interesting conversations about labor, technology, and human value.

The reality check: this is bleak. The comedy is dark. The violence is inherent to the story. And at a 6.7 IMDb rating, it's not universally beloved—some viewers will find it too cynical or slow. It's the kind of movie that'll either really land with your teen or leave them cold.

Bottom line: Great for older teens ready for mature, thought-provoking sci-fi. Everyone else should skip it.

Age Fit

This is firmly 15+ territory—mature teens who enjoy thoughtful sci-fi and can handle dark themes about death and exploitation. Not for younger kids or anyone looking for light entertainment. Adults who appreciate Bong Joon-ho's work will likely find it rewarding.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

As a sci-fi film about an 'expendable' employee who is essentially sent to die repeatedly, the core premise involves death as a disposable commodity. While framed as dark comedy, the underlying themes of human expendability and corporate exploitation aren't particularly emotionally healthy or uplifting. The tone skews cynical rather than cooperative or kind.

Imaginative

Strong sci-fi concept with original premise around cloning, expendability, and space colonization. The idea of a person being repeatedly killed and regenerated to do dangerous work is genuinely creative and thought-provoking. Ice planet exploration and futuristic setting invite curiosity about technology and space. From Bong Joon-ho (Parasite), so likely has visual creativity and world-building.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 15+, suggesting mature content. The premise inherently involves repeated death, likely with some graphic elements. No MPAA rating provided but given the subject matter and director's previous work, expect violence, possibly disturbing imagery around death/regeneration, and potentially strong language. This is not a film where kids could walk in unexpectedly without encountering concerning content.

Enriching

Bong Joon-ho's films typically explore class dynamics, corporate ethics, and human dignity—Mickey 17's premise about expendable workers clearly tackles labor exploitation and the value of human life. Strong critical reception (78% RT critics, 72 Metacritic) suggests thoughtful execution. The sci-fi framework allows exploration of philosophical questions about identity, consciousness, and what makes us human. However, entertainment value may be hampered by dark tone.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

From Bong Joon-ho (Parasite), so expect sharp social commentary wrapped in genre filmmaking
Genuinely original premise that'll spark conversations about labor, technology, and what makes us human
Strong critical reception suggests it's thoughtful sci-fi, not just spectacle
The dark comedy angle might make heavy themes more digestible for older teens ready for philosophical questions

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What to Watch For

Repeated death is the entire premise—expect violence and potentially disturbing imagery around dying and regeneration
Themes of human expendability and corporate exploitation are pretty bleak
Likely strong language and mature content throughout (15+ rating for good reason)
This is cerebral, dark sci-fi—not a popcorn adventure movie

Conversation Starters

"If you could come back after dying, would that make your life worth less or more?"
"What do you think about companies treating workers as 'expendable'? Do you see that happening today?"
"If Mickey gets regenerated with his memories, is he still the same person?"
"Would you take a dangerous job if you knew you'd just be cloned if something went wrong?"

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