Chris Pratt Battles an AI Judge in the Futuristic Thriller Mercy – A Mixed Review

Chris Pratt Battles an AI Judge in the Futuristic Thriller Mercy – A Mixed Review

Movies often serve as a welcome escape from reality, offering a chance to disconnect from our devices and immerse ourselves in an engaging narrative. However, in today’s digital landscape, a new genre has emerged that challenges the idea of escapism. This subgenre, known as screenlife, centers around narratives told primarily through phone screens and computer monitors, creating a unique viewing experience.

Films leading this charge include chilling tales like 2014’s “Unfriended,” the captivating thriller “Searching” from 2018, and the intense “Missing” released in 2022. Recent entries such as the poorly received remake of “War of the Worlds” further exemplify this trend. This style even made its way into popular television, with an episode of “Modern Family” following suit.

The architect of many of these screenlife films, Kazakh-Russian filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov, returns with a new entry titled “Mercy.” This film aims to explore the intersection of technology and justice in a high-stakes environment.

The Plot of Mercy Unfolds

In “Mercy,” Detective Chris Raven, portrayed by Chris Pratt, finds himself embroiled in a shocking murder accusation after his wife’s death. Rather than facing a traditional courtroom trial, he must prove his innocence to an AI-generated judge named Maddox, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Maddox not only serves as the judge but also acts as the jury and the executioner.

Set in a near-future version of Los Angeles, where crime has spiraled out of control, the local government introduces the Mercy justice system. This controversial program claims to have successfully reduced crime rates. Ironically, Raven, who once championed the AI system, now faces its severe consequences, joining 18 others who have already faced judgment.

The Ticking Clock

The narrative escalates quickly as Maddox assesses Raven’s guilt at an alarming 97.5%. To escape execution, Raven must convince her to lower her assessment to meet the threshold of reasonable doubt within a tight window of 90 minutes. He has access to an extensive amount of cloud data from the city, including call records, emails, and surveillance footage. Additionally, he can make crucial phone calls to those close to him, including his daughter, LAPD partner, and AA sponsor.

The film spends a significant amount of time focusing on Chris Pratt strapped to a chair, with Rebecca Ferguson’s Maddox serving as a constant reminder of the limited time he has to establish his innocence. This scenario draws comparisons to classics like “12 Angry Men,” though instead of a jury of peers, the narrative hinges on a single, unyielding AI entity. As the film portrays, “Mercy does not make mistakes,” intensifying the tension surrounding Raven’s fate.

A Critique of Screenlife

While the concept is intriguing, it also highlights some of the limitations inherent in the screenlife genre. Pratt’s performance, along with Ferguson’s digital presence, showcases their acting abilities, yet the format tends to stifle expressive storytelling. Screenlife often relies more on exposition than natural dialogue, leading to scenes laden with artificial explanations.

This creative tension raises questions about the appeal of films that mimic our daily digital interactions. With audiences already engrossed in their devices, the experience of watching a story unfold within similar screens may feel redundant.

Beneath the Surface

Bekmambetov, known for directing high-energy action films like “Wanted” and “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,” seems to explore a different market with “Mercy.” This film’s modest budget likely stands in stark contrast to the financial demands of Pratt’s other franchises, such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World.” For both Bekmambetov and Amazon MGM Studios, the decision to invest in this project is likely a calculated business move.

Despite the film’s promising premise featuring artificial intelligence, “Mercy” delivers a somewhat mediocre sci-fi thriller that fails to leave a lasting impression. While Pratt and Ferguson bring professionalism to their roles, the screenplay penned by Marco van Belle lacks the depth required to elevate their performances.

A Forgettable Experience

Ultimately, even Chris Pratt’s star power is not enough to save “Mercy” from becoming just another forgettable entry in an already crowded genre. The film’s intriguing storyline and thought-provoking themes around AI and justice are overshadowed by its execution, reminiscent of cinematic experiences typically reserved for the first month of the year.

“Mercy” is rated PG-13 for scenes of violence, bloody imagery, strong language, drug-related content, and teenage smoking. The film runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes and is currently showing in theaters.