Mercy (2026): Chris Pratt Battles Artificial Intelligence in New Sci-Fi Thriller
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) star Chris Pratt takes on a chillingly futuristic role in Mercy, a sci-fi action thriller that has swiftly transitioned from theaters to digital streaming less than a month after its initial release. This innovative film employs a ‘screenlife’ approach, immersing viewers directly into the heart of the action.
Mercy pits Pratt against Dune star Rebecca Ferguson, who portrays Judge Maddox, a formidable artificial intelligence. Pratt’s character, a detective, is accused of murdering his wife and given a mere 90 minutes to prove his innocence before Judge Maddox delivers a final, unappealable verdict.
A Stellar Cast and Innovative Direction
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, Mercy boasts a talented ensemble cast including Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Kali Reis, Annabelle Wallis, Chris Sullivan, Kylie Rogers, Kenneth Choi, Rafi Gavron, and Jeff Pierre. The film’s rapid move to digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video allows audiences to experience the suspense from the comfort of their homes.
The Premise: A Race Against Time and Technology
Set in the near future, Mercy presents a compelling scenario: a detective (Chris Pratt) stands trial, accused of a heinous crime. His fate rests in the hands of an advanced A.I. Judge (Rebecca Ferguson) – a system he once championed. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Critical Reception vs. Audience Response: A Divided Verdict
While Mercy presents an intriguing concept, it received a lukewarm reception from critics, garnering a 24% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite a box office performance of just $53 million against a $60 million budget, the film sparked a significant divide in audience reactions. Remarkably, Mercy currently holds an impressive 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter.
Critics have been particularly critical of Bekmambetov’s ‘screenlife’ approach, a technique he previously employed in Amazon’s adaptation of War of the Worlds. Many found the restrictive format tedious and limiting, describing it as “an airless presentation of a clunky techno-thriller premise.” Some critics, like MovieWeb’s Mark Keizer, expressed hope that this marks the last time a popular actor is confined to a chair for the duration of a film.
The Screenlife Trend: A Bold Experiment?
Mercy is the second recent film from Bekmambetov to utilize the screenlife format, where the entire narrative unfolds through computer screens and digital interfaces. While some viewers find this approach innovative and immersive, others find it isolating and detracting from the storytelling. This technique, while unique, has drawn comparisons to the similarly criticized War of the Worlds adaptation.
Audience Enthusiasm: A Potential Streaming Hit
Despite the critical backlash, audiences have embraced Mercy, praising its “high-concept whodunit” storyline and “edge-of-your-seat” thrills. This positive response suggests that Mercy is poised to become a streaming success, attracting viewers seeking a thought-provoking and suspenseful sci-fi experience. The possibility of a sequel is already being discussed.
Where to Watch: Mercy is currently available for rental and purchase on platforms such as Amazon.
(Source: MovieWeb)
