In the upcoming sci-fi thriller "Mercy," stars Rebecca Ferguson and Chris Pratt delve into a world of artificial intelligence, trust, and on-screen chemistry. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, "Mercy" is set to hit theaters on January 23, 2026, presenting a near-future Los Angeles where AI heavily influences the justice system.
Pratt plays Detective Chris Raven, who finds himself on trial for the murder of his wife. The twist? He has just 90 minutes to prove his innocence to Judge Maddox, an advanced AI he once championed, played by Rebecca Ferguson. The film explores the dangers of technology and questions the ethical implications of relying on AI in criminal justice.
Pratt, known for his roles in "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Jurassic World," described this role as a departure from his previous work. Speaking at New York Comic Con, he shared that his character is a homicide detective who has seen a lot and been through a lot in the near-distant future of Los Angeles. He is part of the "Mercy" program, designed to use AI to make the court system more efficient in the face of rising capital crime.
Ferguson, acclaimed for her performances in "Dune" and "Silo", portrays the AI Judge Maddox. The film examines the potential consequences of placing such power in the hands of artificial intelligence, especially when even simple AI programs struggle with complex tasks. The premise suggests a chilling reality where the protagonist, despite his secrets, may be innocent.
The trailer for "Mercy" highlights the battle of wits between Pratt and Ferguson, showcasing how Pratt's character was once a major proponent of the "Mercy Capital Court" system, which aimed to eliminate human error in judicial proceedings. The circumstances surrounding the crime are meticulously examined as evidence, adding layers of suspense to the narrative.
The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Annabelle Wallis as Chris's wife, Nicole Raven, Kali Reis as Jacqueline "JAQ" Diallo, and Chris Sullivan as Rob Nelson. Kylie Rogers plays Britt Raven, Chris' daughter. Kenneth Choi, Rafi Gavron, and Jeff Pierre also feature in the movie.
"Mercy" is directed by Timur Bekmambetov, known for his digital thrillers and action films like "Wanted". The screenplay is written by Marco van Belle. The film is produced by Charles Roven, Robert Amidon, Bekmambetov, and Majd Nassif.
Shot with IMAX 3D technology in mind, "Mercy" promises to be a visually engaging experience. Ramin Djawadi composed the music, adding another layer of depth to the film. Amazon MGM Studios is distributing the film in the United States, while Sony Pictures Releasing International will handle international distribution.
"Mercy" explores relevant themes surrounding AI ethics, trust, and the potential pitfalls of technology. As the release date approaches, audiences are eager to see how Pratt and Ferguson navigate this intricate and suspenseful narrative.
