Mercy is a 2026 American science fiction thriller starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, released by Amazon MGM Studios on January 23, 2026.
The film follows a detective (Pratt) who is accused of murdering his wife and must prove his innocence before an artificial intelligence judge (Ferguson). Set in 2029 Los Angeles, the Mercy Capital Court responds to rising crime by using AI judges to try violent offenders. Defendants are given full access to resources and just 90 minutes to gather evidence and prove their innocence or face execution by a sonic blast.
The concept is timely and intriguing, especially with its focus on AI, surveillance, and the future of justice. The fast-paced structure works in the film’s favor, as the 90-minute countdown adds urgency and keeps things moving. However, the execution doesn’t fully live up to its potential.
One of the film’s biggest drawbacks is its presentation. Much of the story unfolds through screens and digital interfaces, which quickly becomes repetitive and visually exhausting. Despite the high-stakes premise, there’s very little suspense or depth, turning what could have been a gripping thriller into a fairly simple and predictable whodunit, you can likely guess the culprit within the first 20 minutes.
The writing is another weak point. The script feels uneven, making it difficult to stay fully engaged, and while the film touches on themes of AI, justice, and technology, it never fully commits to exploring them in a meaningful way. As a result, the story comes across as shallow and occasionally illogical, with noticeable plot holes and familiar clichés throughout.
Overall, Mercy is a film with a strong and relevant premise but underwhelming execution. While it may still appeal to viewers looking for a fast-paced, straightforward thriller, it ultimately delivers an uneven experience that doesn’t quite reach its full potential.
