Alex Reviews "Mercy"

Sometimes, we do things that are counter to our own thoughts. Whether it be out of service or love. Mercy looked like it was going to be a service to the reader, but that is not what happened. For an hour and forty minutes, the film just set forth on a clever action story… without ever leaving the room, technically.

Following the murder case of Detective Chris Raven (Chris Pratt) as he uses every bit of technology made available to him by an A.I. Judge (Rebecca Ferguson), Raven must clear his name in his wife’s murder within ninety minutes.

Timur Bekmambetov returns to the neo-futuristic action that brought him global fame after Wanted and he has notes for EVERY film prior that used the “told through devices” model that has gained popularity. Mercy is a visual feat in blending technology with design. Going any further would risk spoiling key details, but when you read about seeing this in a premium format at the end of this, I really mean it. Fair warning: do not look for deeper meaning regarding A.I. or rights, as this isn’t that type of movie. Also, try to ignore the wrestling trope about halfway through where the movie spoils itself in a way to make the audience feel smarter during the payoff.

Chris Pratt has had a run of futility in live action films outside of the Guardians of the Galaxy films, but Mercy is some of his best work beyond the MCU. It is subdued but emotional and bombastic at times, though I feel like this could have been moments to ground the realism more in certain scenes. Pratt checks every box you would hope for from an actor strapped to a chair. He is getting closer to being able to pull of tortured soul, but Mercy never lets that linger long before jumping into the next sequence or scene.

In an even more restrained performance, Rebecca Ferguson smashes the A.I. judge as cold yet helpfully programmed. While the character may be lost in the plot the deeper the film rolls, Ferguson continues to show acting depth that few could match, even in a two-dimensional character.

Everyone’s first favorite Stranger Things guest star, Chris Sullivan absolutely elevates every scene he has in Mercy. His projection of caring as Raven’s closest confidant drives more emotion for the film than any other characters. You can feel his investment in the family and narrative in every line he has. I hope this gets him noticed for bigger roles than Taserface. 😉

While Mercy is unlikely to contend with many upcoming films for awards in 2026, this might be the exact type of film we can use right now. A clever action ride with incredible visual artistry and masterful blending in editing/projection. See Mercy in the most premium format you can because that Timur Bekmambetov who made us love bullet bending is back with his new inventiveness on January 23^rd!