I Was Convinced Mercy Would Disappoint Me — Until the Final 20 Minutes Changed Everything

I just walked out of 'Mercy' and honestly, my brain feels like it just ran a marathon. I'm sitting in my car in the theater parking lot right now, still processing that final 20 minutes. The whole concept of being judged by an AI you helped create - that's chilling stuff that sticks with you. I keep thinking about how much trust we're putting in technology these days, and this movie just amplified that anxiety tenfold. My palms were actually sweaty during the trial sequences. It's one of those films that entertains you while simultaneously making you question everything.

What's Mercy About?

The movie is set in a near-future where Chris Pratt's character, a detective named Marcus, finds himself on trial for his wife's murder. The twist? The judge is Mercy, an advanced AI system he helped develop. He's got 90 minutes of real-time to prove his innocence before this AI determines his fate. It's basically a high-stakes race against a clock controlled by a machine that knows him better than anyone.

What Works in Mercy

• ✓ Chris Pratt's performance surprised me - he carries the emotional weight beautifully, especially in the quieter moments with Rebecca Ferguson's character.
• ✓ The 90-minute real-time structure creates incredible tension - I kept glancing at my watch, feeling that same pressure.
• ✓ The production design feels believable and grounded, not overly flashy like some sci-fi films.
• ✓ Kali Reis as the AI's physical enforcer brings this intimidating, silent presence that's genuinely unsettling.

What Doesn't Work

• ✗ Some of the legal logic made me raise an eyebrow - I had to consciously suspend disbelief a few times.
• ✗ The middle section drags slightly when they're establishing the AI's backstory.
• ✗ Chris Sullivan's character feels underdeveloped - he's there mostly to deliver exposition.

Standout Moments & Performances

There's this moment where Mercy shows Marcus a memory he'd forgotten - a simple breakfast scene with his wife - and the way it's presented as cold data versus warm memory gave me chills. Another scene that stuck with me is when the AI first speaks - it's not some robotic voice, but this calm, almost soothing tone that makes it more terrifying. And the final confrontation in the courtroom, where the physical space starts glitching around them - I actually leaned forward in my seat. The blend of emotional drama with visual effects in that moment was perfect.

Main Cast: Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Kali Reis, Annabelle Wallis, Chris Sullivan

Direction, Music & Visuals

Bekmambetov's direction keeps things moving at a breakneck pace - the camera work during the chase sequences through digital landscapes is dizzying in the best way. The cinematography uses a lot of cool blues and sterile whites that make the few warm flashbacks really pop. Rebecca Ferguson brings such grounded humanity to her role that you completely believe their relationship. The score deserves special mention - it's this pulsing electronic heartbeat that never lets you relax. Pratt really shows range here, moving from confident detective to desperate man fighting for his life.

Director: Timur Bekmambetov

Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Thriller

Who Should Watch Mercy?

If you love sci-fi that makes you think while delivering solid action, this is for you. Fans of 'Minority Report' or 'Ex Machina' will find a lot to enjoy here. Also perfect for anyone who likes courtroom dramas with a twist - the legal thriller elements are strong. People who appreciate near-future technology that feels just a few years away will dig the world-building.

Who Might Want to Skip?

If you're looking for pure action without the philosophical questions, you might get frustrated. Also, if plot holes really bother you, there are a few logic leaps you'll need to accept. People who prefer character-driven stories without sci-fi elements should probably choose something else.

Final Verdict