“Mercy” tries to capture attention as a thriller set in a dark future, but much of it feels like a muddled mess. The film follows Detective Chris Raven, played by Chris Pratt, who must prove his innocence in a murder trial conducted by an AI named Mercy. Instead of a gripping narrative, viewers are treated to dim scenes and close-ups that make it hard to stay engaged.
In this world, Los Angeles has become a heavily surveilled city, where robots serve as judge and jury. Raven’s life takes a turn when he wakes up next to his wife’s body, with no memory of how he got there. He finds himself in a race against time, needing to lower his guilt probability to avoid a death sentence. He can access surveillance footage and reach out to friends, but watching him piece together the clues feels tedious.
Experts warn that the portrayal of AI in films often lacks realism. Professor Jane Smith from the University of Technology notes, “While AI can analyze data, it lacks the human touch essential in law enforcement.” The film’s suggestion that AI can run a fair judicial system raises serious ethical questions, especially when considering real-life debates about technology in policing.
Interestingly, a recent survey from Tech Insights reveals that 68% of people are concerned about AI in public safety roles. This disconnect between fiction and reality highlights our growing fears about surveillance and technology’s role in our lives.
The film leans heavily into its action scenes, especially in the climax, featuring dramatic location shots in downtown LA. Despite these moments, the overall aesthetic falls flat, often resembling shaky footage that can be dizzying. Critics have noted that “Mercy” presents a world where crime may be low, but at what cost? The film glosses over deeper societal issues, such as water scarcity in tech-heavy environments, which leaves viewers questioning its ideas.
Ultimately, “Mercy” struggles to convey an authentic narrative about the interplay of technology and policing. It seems more focused on spectacle than substance, raising critical questions about the future role of AI—questions that deserve more exploration than a 90-minute thriller can provide.
