Chris Pratt's fate hangs in the balance as an AI judge, Rebecca Ferguson, decides his destiny in the dystopian thriller, Mercy. This film presents a chilling scenario where an AI, with the power to judge and execute, resembles the charming Rebecca Ferguson. The story unfolds in a world where an AI judge, jury, and executioner, known as Maddox, presides over a court in a dystopian Los Angeles. Accused individuals are strapped to a chair, facing a 90-minute window to prove their innocence, or face termination. The plot centers around Chris Raven, a cop played by Chris Pratt, who finds himself accused of murder and wakes up in the mercy chair, accused of murdering his wife. As he tries to prove his innocence, the audience is immersed in a digital world where phone records, social media accounts, and emails are displayed on screens. The director, Timur Bekmambetov, is known for popularizing the 'screenlife' film genre, and Mercy is no exception. However, the film's attempt to force viewers to empathize with Chris falls flat, as any promising idea leads to a dead end. The story raises questions about the violation of privacy in the pursuit of justice and the trustworthiness of AI judges. Despite the intriguing premise, the film's conclusion is underwhelming, suggesting that even in a dystopian world, minor improvements can make it tolerable. The film stars Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Kali Reis, Annabelle Wallis, Chris Sullivan, and Kylie Rogers, and is rated 12A, running for 100 minutes. It is currently showing in cinemas from January 23rd.
