I always enjoy a good science fiction thriller, so when Mercy landed on my watch list, I was curious to see whether it would deliver an exciting futuristic story or become just another forgettable sci-fi movie.
Set in the near future, Mercy follows LAPD detective Chris Raven (Chris Pratt), who suddenly finds himself accused of murdering his wife. Instead of appearing in a traditional courtroom, he's forced to defend himself before an artificial intelligence judge named Maddox, played by Rebecca Ferguson. He has just 90 minutes to prove his innocence before the AI system hands down a final and deadly verdict.
It's a fascinating concept that asks an important question: How much should we trust artificial intelligence to make life or death decisions? That idea alone kept me interested throughout the movie.
Rebecca Ferguson also does an excellent job as the emotionless AI judge. Even with limited screen time, she brings an unsettling presence that makes every decision feel intimidating. The strongest part of Mercy is its premise. The movie raises questions about privacy, surveillance, artificial intelligence, and whether computers should ever replace human judgment.
The real time countdown keeps the tension high, and at just around 100 minutes, the movie rarely overstays its welcome. Visually, the futuristic technology is impressive, and the film has a sleek, modern style.
Mercy isn't a bad movie, it just falls short of becoming a great one. If you enjoy science fiction thrillers like Minority Report or stories that explore the future of artificial intelligence, there's enough here to make it worth watching. While it may not become one of Chris Pratt's most memorable films, it's still an entertaining ride that raises interesting questions about where technology could be taking us.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but go in expecting a suspenseful sci-fi thriller driven more by ideas than nonstop action. If that's your kind of movie, Mercy is worth adding to your watch list on Prime Video.
Out of 10 Popcorn Kernels, I give it a 6.5.
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