6.2/10
Mercy is a 2026 American science fiction thriller directed by Timur Bekmambetov and released by Amazon MGM Studios. Starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, the film explores a near-future justice system where artificial intelligence replaces human judges — and where a man has just 90 minutes to prove he deserves to live.
Blending courtroom drama with high-tech dystopia, Mercy builds its tension around a single question: can an algorithm truly deliver justice?
The film was released in U.S. theaters on January 23, 2026, in 3D and IMAX.
Mercy Program 2026 – Official Trailer
What Is Mercy About? (Spoiler-Free Overview)
Set in a futuristic Los Angeles plagued by rising crime, the Mercy Capital Court has implemented AI judges to preside over violent criminal trials. Defendants are strapped into a courtroom system where they are given 90 minutes to investigate their own case, present evidence, and reduce their statistical “guilt probability.” If they fail, execution is immediate.
Detective Chris Raven (Pratt), a vocal supporter of this system, suddenly finds himself on trial for the murder of his wife. The presiding AI judge, Maddox (Ferguson), analyzes every shred of data — surveillance footage, forensic evidence, digital history — and calculates his probability of guilt in real time.
As the clock ticks down, Chris must confront both the evidence against him and the personal failures that shaped his life. What unfolds is part investigation, part psychological reckoning, and part high-stakes technological showdown.
Without revealing key twists, the story challenges the idea of mathematical justice and asks whether certainty can ever truly equal truth.
Cast & Characters
Chris Pratt plays Detective Christopher “Chris” Raven, a man forced to defend himself inside the very system he once believed in. His performance anchors the film’s emotional core.
Rebecca Ferguson portrays Judge Maddox, the AI entity overseeing the Mercy Court. Maddox is calm, logical, and unsettlingly impartial — a digital embodiment of procedural justice.
Kali Reis plays Jacqueline “Jaq” Diallo, Chris’s partner, whose loyalty and moral compass are tested under pressure.
Annabelle Wallis appears as Nicole Raven, Chris’s late wife, whose absence drives the narrative’s mystery and emotional tension.
Chris Sullivan, Kylie Rogers, and others round out the supporting cast, contributing to the layered web of suspicion and personal stakes.
Themes & Concept
Mercy leans heavily into modern anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence, surveillance culture, and automated justice.
The central ideas include:
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AI replacing human judgment
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Statistical probability versus human doubt
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Accountability in a data-driven world
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The danger of blind faith in systems
The 90-minute ticking clock structure creates a contained thriller format, while the larger world hints at broader societal transformation.
Rather than focusing purely on action spectacle, the film frames its tension around moral dilemmas and trust in technology.
Box Office Performance
As of early February 2026, Mercy has grossed approximately $41 million worldwide, with $20 million coming from the United States and Canada.
It debuted at $12.6 million domestically, becoming the first film in weeks to top the box office chart, though weather conditions reportedly impacted theater attendance.
Critical Reception
The film received largely negative reviews from critics.
On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a low approval rating, with critics describing it as conceptually interesting but execution-heavy and emotionally distant. On Metacritic, it scored in the “generally unfavorable” range.
Common criticisms focused on:
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A premise that feels stronger than its payoff
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Limited character depth
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Confining visual presentation
However, some viewers appreciated the central idea and the performances of the lead actors, especially the tension between Pratt’s emotional intensity and Ferguson’s cold AI presence.
Is Mercy Worth Watching?
If you enjoy near-future techno-thrillers and moral dilemmas about AI governance, Mercy may still be worth your time despite mixed reviews.
It doesn’t reinvent the sci-fi genre, but it does present an intriguing courtroom survival concept. Fans of contained thrillers with ticking clocks may find the setup compelling, even if the execution divides opinion.
It’s a conversation starter — even if it isn’t universally praised.
FAQ
When was Mercy released?
Mercy was released in U.S. theaters on January 23, 2026.
Who stars in Mercy?
The film stars Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, along with Kali Reis and Annabelle Wallis.
What is Mercy about?
Mercy follows a detective accused of murder who must prove his innocence within 90 minutes in a courtroom run by an AI judge.
How much did Mercy make at the box office?
As of early February 2026, the film has grossed about $41 million worldwide.
Is Mercy based on a book or game?
No, Mercy is an original science fiction screenplay.
Conclusion
Mercy presents a chilling scenario where justice is calculated, timed, and executed by code. While critics were not convinced by its overall execution, the premise alone taps into real-world debates about AI authority and algorithmic decision-making.
It’s not the defining sci-fi thriller of the decade — but it does ask a question that feels increasingly urgent: if a machine says you’re guilty, who do you appeal to?
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