MERCY (2026) – An AI Courtroom Drama That Fails Its Own Test

At first glance, Mercy promises an intriguing dive into the intersection of criminal justice and Artificial Intelligence—a timely topic in an era when AI dominates headlines and ethical debates. Set in a not-so-distant future, the film envisions a legal system where an advanced AI presides over murder trials, giving suspects just 90 minutes to prove their innocence. If they fail, execution is immediate. The twist? Chris (Chris Pratt), a detective instrumental in creating this very system, suddenly finds himself accused of murdering his own wife. He must clear his name before the unblinking digital judge—manifested as a larger-than-life Rebecca Ferguson—within an hour and a half, as the narrative unfolds almost in real time.

The premise may border on the far-fetched, yet with careful execution, it could have become a gripping thriller. Unfortunately, Mercy stumbles as the plot grows increasingly implausible. Convenient twists consistently favor the protagonist, undermining tension and believability. The much-hyped evolution of the AI judge near the film’s climax feels tacked on, serving as a flashy—but ultimately hollow—plot device rather than a meaningful development.

The film’s reliance on surveillance footage as its primary mode of action sequencing—often shown as blurry, indistinct video feeds—drains the story of urgency and visual impact. Despite establishing a world obsessed with omnipresent security cameras, the story conveniently omits crucial evidence at every turn. Key moments around the murder are left unseen, and multiple opportunities to reveal the true perpetrator via surveillance are inexplicably missed. These narrative gaps feel less like mysteries than contrivances, stretching audience credulity to the breaking point.

In the end, Mercy suffers from the same shortcomings as many recent Hollywood thrillers: a plot that relies on forced red herrings and unnatural character choices. The supposed twists only serve to frustrate, and the film ultimately underestimates its viewers. While the concept had potential, the execution leaves much to be desired. Even the star power presence of Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, two of Hollywood’s more likeable actors, could not save the day. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of AI-themed cinema, this is a courtroom you can safely skip.