Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson Star in AI Thriller
Timur Bekmambetov’s latest film, “Mercy,” explores the intersection of crime and artificial intelligence. This thriller stars Chris Pratt as Chris Raven, a man accused of murdering his wife. The film is set in a near-future Los Angeles in the year 2029, a city portrayed as increasingly crime-ridden.
Cast and Crew
The film features a talented cast, including:
- Chris Pratt as Chris Raven
- Rebecca Ferguson as Judge Maddox
- Annabelle Wallis as Chris’s wife
- Kali Reis as Jaq
- Chris Sullivan as Rob
- Kylie Rogers as Britt
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and scripted by Marco van Belle, “Mercy” has a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes and is rated PG-13.
Plot Overview
In “Mercy,” Chris Raven wakes up in an advanced chair known as the “Mercy Chair” after a night of heavy drinking. He has lost his memory of the previous morning, during which he allegedly killed his wife. The film’s unique premise involves Raven trying to prove his innocence to an AI judge, played by Rebecca Ferguson. This AI, Judge Maddox, has access to vast amounts of surveillance footage, creating a tense atmosphere of uncertainty.
Innovative Filmmaking Techniques
Bekmambetov continues his exploration of “screenlife” filmmaking, popularized in movies like “Unfriended” and “Searching.” In “Mercy,” the audience experiences the story through various camera viewpoints including doorbell cameras and drones. Despite this innovative approach, the film has drawn criticism for its reliance on low-resolution footage and static shots, as a large portion of the film features Pratt restrained in the Mercy Chair.
Thrilling Action and Emotional Depth
Despite its challenges, the film does include an exciting truck-and-car chase that livens up the pacing towards the conclusion. While Chris Pratt delivers a performance defined by limitations due to his character’s circumstances, Rebecca Ferguson shines as she gradually layers emotion into her AI character.
Release Information
“Mercy” is set to premiere on January 23. Audiences looking for a film that examines the implications of artificial intelligence in the judicial system may find this thriller engaging, though it might require a pause for reflection afterwards.
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