This weekend, heavy snowstorms across many parts of America contributed to a nearly 10% drop in box office sales compared to last year. The top film domestically, the sci-fi thriller Mercy starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, debuted in first place despite poor reviews and a disappointing opening, marking a worse performance than Ferguson’s earlier Stephen King movie flop, Doctor Sleep.
Mercy’s Struggles at the Box Office and Critical Reception
Mercy, a mystery sci-fi film featuring Chris Pratt as a man trying to prove his innocence in his wife’s murder case, and Rebecca Ferguson as an AI-powered judge, employed a semi-screenlife format. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, known for his focus on this visual style, the film opened with only $11 million at theaters, which is significantly below expectations. By comparison, Ferguson’s 2019 film Doctor Sleep—an adaptation and sequel to the Stephen King novel and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining—opened with $14 million despite also failing commercially.
Doctor Sleep was anticipated to be a hit following the massive success of another Stephen King adaptation in 2019, IT, which earned over $700 million worldwide. However, Doctor Sleep ultimately grossed around $30 million domestically and $70 million globally against a $55 million budget. The movie, directed by Mike Flanagan, received positive critical reviews, holding a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and has since developed a loyal fan following.
Mercy’s reception has been far less favorable, with a critics’ rating of just 20% on Rotten Tomatoes. CinemaScore reports that audiences gave the film a rough B- on opening day. The review consensus highlights its weak techno-thriller premise and cramped presentation, stating,
“Constricting its two stars inside an airless presentation of a clunky techno-thriller premise, Mercy is tedious enough to make you cry uncle.”
Timur Bekmambetov’s $60 million production has clearly failed to engage viewers or critics alike.
Future Projects for Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson
Despite the setback with Mercy, both leads have promising projects ahead. Chris Pratt is set to star in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, anticipated by many fans, while Rebecca Ferguson will appear in Dune: Part Three and the upcoming third season of the television series Silo later this year. These roles may help both actors move past the current disappointment and regain momentum in their careers.
Current Theatrical Availability of Mercy
Mercy is currently showing in theaters across the United States, although weather-related issues have further complicated its box office run. Industry watchers will be closely monitoring its performance over the coming weeks, especially given its poor start compared to other recent sci-fi releases.
