Mercy Film Review

Mercy

In the year 2029, the justice system has been replaced by AI. It’s called Mercy, and an AI judge named

Maddox runs the show. The process is simple: prove you are innocent within 90 minutes or be executed.

Chris Raven doesn’t expect to end up in the chair however. He started this system after all. But when he’s

accused of murdering his wife, things shift. As he peels back the layers using the technology at his fingertips,

Chris discovers a shocking secret that could spell the end of this AI court system. (Mild spoilers ahead).

Positive Elements: Chris incessantly tries to prove his innocence. Though Maddox, Britt (his daughter) and

others jump to conclusions, Chris refuses to accept defeat. Maddox is AI, but through helping Chris, she realizes

her mistakes. 

The film helps viewers understand that AI, while helpful, can’t solve every problem. Chris voices his love

for Britt. He expresses guilt over a former police partner’s death. Other characters put their lives on the line to

assist Chris.

Spiritual Content: One character mentions Nicole as an “angel.”

Sensual Content: Britt makes a randy comment about her cleavage (repeated a few times). In flashbacks,

Chris and Nicole kiss/embrace. It’s suspected that Nicole had an affair with someone.

Violence: Though Chris is in the execution chair for most of the film, there are suspenseful moments

played on video footage. One character gets rammed into a police vehicle, and it’s implied he dies from his

injuries. Some cars spin or flip out of control during chase scenes. Chris attacks people at a bar before being

arrested. Britt is kidnapped by someone who carries explosive devices. Nicole is stabbed (offscreen) and left to

die in her house. A house is rigged with explosive chemicals. Some people are tackled, and try to run from the

authorities. Those are a few examples of what to expect in this thriller.

Language: One f-word, multiple s-words, and a litter of other profanities include (but aren’t limited to): “p

—-,” “a—,” “b-ch,” “d-n,” “ h—,” God’s name and Jesus’s name. God’s name is paired with “d-n,” quite a few times.

Drugs/Alcohol: Chris has a drinking problem. In the video footage, we see him imbibe alcohol. Other

characters consume alcohol as well. Britt vapes while video chatting with a guy on Instagram. Some characters

smoke cigarettes. There’s talk of “Red zones”: shelters for drug addicts in the shady parts of California.

Other Negative Elements: While the internet is accessible to Chris, some viewers might view him finding

evidence as an invasion to privacy. Chris mentions he’s a “lousy father.” There are characters who lie and steal.

(Spoiler Warning): Robert Nelson is revealed to be behind Nicole’s murder. The whole plan was for revenge

against the Mercy court for murdering his brother. He even goes so far as to hide in Chris’s house for a few days. 

Britt has two social media accounts on Instagram (one that’s hidden from her parent’s prying eyes).

Nelson uses Britt as leverage to scare Chris straight for a time.

Conclusion: In 2002, viewers found a movie called Minority Report. Tom Cruise’s character John Anderton

goes on the lam to prove his innocence about a predicted murder. In a way, Mercy is similar to the

aforementioned film: both have heroes who are stuck in a tough situation. AI is used as a plot point, proven to

be wrong on both accounts.

However, while Minority Report has John running from the authorities to prove his innocence, Mercy has

Chris Raven stuck in an execution chair. The latter is more technologically savvy than Minority Report, at times

giving off suspense vibes from the Searching and Missing films. Mercy gives a frighteningly realistic depiction

of what AI can do. It keeps you guessing, while slowing down for the suspense to catch up. Chris Pratt and

Rebecca Ferguson shine as Chris and Judge Maddox respectively.

Though Mercy is rated PG-13, there are content concerns. While violence is somewhat rare, the plot

revolves around murder. Explosive chemicals are thrown into the mix as well. Characters blurt out harsh

language in tense moments. Alcohol plays a major part in Chris’s life, which could be discomforting for viewers.

All of this should be considered before watching Mercy on Amazon Prime.

But the film has merit too. Chris realizes he’s not been a good father or husband. While reviewing footage,

he faces his past demons. This helps him to move forward, but also renews his love for Britt as well.

Should people wary of AI approach Mercy with caution? Yes, indeed. But for fans who liked Minority

Report, Mercy delivers a home run thriller.