Mickey 17
During a human expedition to colonize space, Mickey 17, a so-called "expendable" employee, is sent to explore an ice planet.
Working with a considerable budget of $118.0M, the film achieved a modest success with $131.8M in global revenue (+12% profit margin).
1 win & 9 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Mickey 17 (2025) showcases precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Bong Joon Ho's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 17 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Mickey Barnes dies again on a dangerous mission for the Niflheim colony, establishing his role as an expendable - a disposable worker who is regenerated after each death. His routine mortality shows the grim reality of his existence in the lowest tier of colonial society.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 17 minutes when Mickey 17 is sent on a particularly dangerous mission and is presumed dead in circumstances where recovery seems impossible. The colony begins the process of printing Mickey 18, believing iteration 17 is permanently lost. This catastrophic event disrupts the normal cycle.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 69 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The colony discovers alien life or a major threat to survival, and the Mickeys' secret is discovered by authorities or they're caught in a situation where their dual existence becomes undeniable. What seemed like a manageable deception becomes an existential crisis. Ken Marshall or the colony leaders exploit this revelation, raising the stakes dramatically., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 103 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, One of the Mickeys is killed or sacrifices himself, or both are condemned to termination. Alternatively, Nasha dies, or the colony faces imminent destruction from the alien threat. This moment contains the "whiff of death" - a devastating loss that represents the death of Mickey's hope for a normal life or genuine existence beyond being expendable., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 109 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Mickey executes a plan to save the colony, confront the corrupt leadership, or establish peace with the alien life. He uses his unique experience as both one person and many to solve the crisis. The finale involves sacrificing the expendable system itself, liberating others, or transforming the colony's social structure. Resolution of both the external plot and internal thematic question., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Mickey 17's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Mickey 17 against these established plot points, we can identify how Bong Joon Ho utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Mickey 17 within the adventure genre.
Bong Joon Ho's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Bong Joon Ho films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Mickey 17 takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Bong Joon Ho filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional adventure films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Bad Guys and Zoom. For more Bong Joon Ho analyses, see Mother, Okja and Snowpiercer.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Mickey Barnes dies again on a dangerous mission for the Niflheim colony, establishing his role as an expendable - a disposable worker who is regenerated after each death. His routine mortality shows the grim reality of his existence in the lowest tier of colonial society.
Theme
A colony administrator or fellow worker comments on the expendable system, stating something like "We're all replaceable" or "The colony needs bodies, not people" - establishing the film's exploration of identity, consciousness, and what makes us human in a system that treats people as disposable resources.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the ice world Niflheim, the struggling human colony, and the hierarchical social structure. We meet Nasha (Mickey's romantic interest), Ken Marshall (the colony leader), and understand the desperate circumstances that make the expendable program necessary. Mickey's relationship with Nasha and his position in society are established.
Disruption
Mickey 17 is sent on a particularly dangerous mission and is presumed dead in circumstances where recovery seems impossible. The colony begins the process of printing Mickey 18, believing iteration 17 is permanently lost. This catastrophic event disrupts the normal cycle.
Resistance
Mickey 17 unexpectedly survives and returns to the colony, only to discover Mickey 18 already exists. Both versions struggle with the question of what to do - the colony's rules prohibit multiples. Mickey 17 debates whether to report himself, hide, or find another solution. This period explores his internal conflict and the practical implications of his situation.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The "fun and games" of two Mickeys existing simultaneously - coordinating their deception, swapping places, exploring their diverging personalities and experiences. Mickey(s) investigate the colony's deeper secrets, potentially discovering truths about the alien life on Niflheim or the true nature of the expendable program. Dark comedy and social satire of the colonial system.
Midpoint
The colony discovers alien life or a major threat to survival, and the Mickeys' secret is discovered by authorities or they're caught in a situation where their dual existence becomes undeniable. What seemed like a manageable deception becomes an existential crisis. Ken Marshall or the colony leaders exploit this revelation, raising the stakes dramatically.
Opposition
The colony authorities close in, demanding one Mickey be "retired." The alien threat intensifies. The Mickeys' individual desires diverge - perhaps one wants to be with Nasha, one wants to escape, creating internal conflict. The oppressive colonial system tightens its grip. The question of which Mickey is "real" becomes urgent and painful.
Collapse
One of the Mickeys is killed or sacrifices himself, or both are condemned to termination. Alternatively, Nasha dies, or the colony faces imminent destruction from the alien threat. This moment contains the "whiff of death" - a devastating loss that represents the death of Mickey's hope for a normal life or genuine existence beyond being expendable.
Crisis
The surviving Mickey (or both, if both survived) processes the loss and confronts the existential horror of his situation. Dark night of the soul exploring what it means to be human, to have identity, to matter in a system designed to make you replaceable. Mickey faces his deepest fear about his own authenticity and value.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Mickey executes a plan to save the colony, confront the corrupt leadership, or establish peace with the alien life. He uses his unique experience as both one person and many to solve the crisis. The finale involves sacrificing the expendable system itself, liberating others, or transforming the colony's social structure. Resolution of both the external plot and internal thematic question.