Movie Review: Mercy

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A surprisingly good sci-fi thriller. 

In this movie a man (Chris Pratt) finds himself in an AI court having to prove that he is innocent of killing his wife. To prove himself innocent he has all of technology (which is being monitored by the government) at his disposal. 

This movie is heavily inspired by such films as Searching (2018) and Missing (2023) with how for much of the runtime every shot is either of the screen for the AI court or our main character. It does little to deviate from the formula firmly set in place, even down to the main story being a mystery. It does however break away from this with some shots neither of the screen or our main character towards the end (though there is a reason for this narratively). 

Though this movie may lack originality, it works quite well as a murder mystery. The mystery itself is very well-written, and it kept me guessing all the way through. The film is full of twists and turns, most of which are very effective. The movie even makes us doubt the main character's innocence at many points or if he knows more than he is telling. The main character himself is quite engaging with how he is a very flawed person but one who truly does care about his wife and daughter. At the end when the mystery is all wrapped up, it feels quite satisfying. 

The movie also benefits from very strong performances from Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson. Chris Pratt delivers what might be his best non-Guardians performance as he is very believable and deeply human in this role. This show that when called upon to the man really can act. Rebecca Ferguson is fantastic as the AI judge. This is true to the extent that we forget at times we are watching an actress not a real AI. 

I do wish this movie would have delved more into its commentary on AI and capital punishment as well as its implications of how much access the government is given into our technological lives in this film. The movie will touch on these subjects and then quickly move on to the more conventional murder plot. 

Though this movie often plays it too safe, it is still a well-constructed sci-fi murder mystery.