Chris Pratt stars in Mercy, a sci-fi action thriller pitting him against an advanced artificial intelligence, just weeks after the movie’s theatrical premiere. Released only 26 days ago, the film uses a screenlife format, focusing on Pratt’s character strapped to a chair while trying to prove his innocence before an AI Judge, played by Rebecca Ferguson. The thriller has now moved swiftly to digital streaming platforms like Amazon, offering viewers at-home access shortly after its theater run.
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, Mercy features a cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Kali Reis, Annabelle Wallis, Chris Sullivan, Kylie Rogers, Kenneth Choi, Rafi Gavron, and Jeff Pierre. The story centers on a detective accused of murdering his wife and given just 90 minutes to convince the AI Judge Maddox, who he once supported, of his innocence.
“In the near future, a detective (Chris Pratt) stands on trial accused of murdering his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to the advanced A.I. Judge (Rebecca Ferguson) he once championed, before it determines his fate.”
— Official Synopsis
Mixed Reviews and Box Office Disappointment Contrasted with Streaming Success
Mercy struggled to impress critics upon release, earning a harsh 24% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing only $53 million, falling short of its $60 million production budget. The film’s screenlife format—largely confined to showing two actors in a cramped setting—led many critics to label the movie tedious and unengaging. However, the reception among regular viewers was markedly different, with audiences awarding it an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, suggesting a stronger connection with home viewers than cinema-goers.
Critics took particular issue with director Timur Bekmambetov’s restrictive approach, similar to his previous attempt on a screenlife sci-fi project, War of the Worlds. One review noted,
“inside an airless presentation of a clunky techno-thriller premise, Mercy is tedious enough to make you cry uncle.”
— Unattributed Critic
Mark Keizer of MovieWeb expressed frustration with the format, pointing out,
“a popular actor sitting in a chair for 90 minutes.”
— Mark Keizer, MovieWeb
“The second and hopefully last in a series of recent films featuring a popular actor sitting in a chair for 90 minutes, Mercy has much in common with last year’s Amazon commercial-cum-Ice Cube hostage tape, War of the Worlds. Not only are both films lamentable throwaways, but they were both produced by Timur Bekmambetov in an attempt to further indulge his bizarre fascination with screenlife thrillers, where audiences stare at a big screen to watch someone else stare at a smaller screen.”
— Mark Keizer, MovieWeb
Audience Praise Highlights Mercy’s Appeal as a Streaming Thriller
Despite critical disappointment, Mercy found a more appreciative audience eager for an intense and tightly paced thriller. Fans praised the film as a “high-concept whodunit” that delivers edge-of-the-seat excitement, particularly for those who enjoy popcorn-filled sci-fi experiences. This positive viewer response indicates that Mercy’s life on streaming platforms could far outshine its theater performance, appealing especially to fans drawn to cerebral and suspense-heavy science fiction.
“high-concept whodunit for anyone who enjoys an edge-of-your seat, popcorn-fueled experience.”
— Unattributed Audience Review
The film’s quick transition from theaters to streaming services like Amazon ensures that Mercy will reach a wider viewership, likely establishing itself as a notable entry for sci-fi enthusiasts seeking innovative storytelling. Given its growing fanbase and streaming success, a sequel may soon be announced, continuing this technologically adventurous narrative.
Main Cast and Their Roles in Mercy
Chris Pratt leads as the troubled detective fighting to prove his innocence, while Rebecca Ferguson portrays the AI Judge Maddox – the advanced artificial intelligence that controls the trial. Supporting roles are filled by Kali Reis, Annabelle Wallis, Chris Sullivan, Kylie Rogers, Kenneth Choi, Rafi Gavron, and Jeff Pierre, creating a tightly woven cast that brings this intense story to life.
