Chris Pratt’s “Mercy” Harms Society More Than Just Being a Bad Movie
Timur Bekmambetov’s film “Mercy,” released by Amazon MGM Studios, depicts a grim near-future Los Angeles beset by high crime rates and rampant homelessness. The film explores a society where addiction is rampant, and many live in tents along Hollywood Boulevard. To combat this crisis, the LAPD has introduced a new artificial intelligence-based justice system known as Mercy.
Overview of the Mercy System
Mercy accelerates the process of convicting and executing criminals. When apprehended, a suspect is placed in a machine and confronted by a virtual judge named Maddox, voiced by Rebecca Ferguson. The accused has 90 minutes to present their case. If the evidence suggests a 96% likelihood of guilt, the A.I. system executes them. This chilling premise raises concerns about the ethical implications of using A.I. in the justice system.
Comparison to RoboCop
While some might compare “Mercy” to Paul Verhoeven’s “RoboCop,” which critiques corporate privatization of police, “Mercy” takes a starkly different approach. The film presents A.I. as a necessary tool that society should embrace. Unlike “RoboCop,” which serves as a satire, “Mercy” appears to endorse the A.I. system and its contemporary application in law enforcement.
Plot Summary
The narrative follows LAPD detective Chris Raven, played by Chris Pratt. During the film, he finds himself strapped in the Mercy machine, accused of murdering his wife. As the clock ticks down, Raven scrutinizes digital evidence, including personal phone calls and surveillance footage, in a bid to uncover the truth.
Visual Representation
Bekmambetov attempts to create a visually engaging experience using 3-D IMAX technology. However, critics argue that the film’s visuals do little to enhance a narrative centered on a man trapped in a chair, making it feel tedious and monotonous.
Ethical Concerns Raised
“Mercy” has been criticized for promoting harmful messages regarding the relationship between humans and A.I. Throughout the film, Raven suggests that trusting one’s instincts is paramount, rather than relying on an impersonal machine. However, the film implies that A.I. can be trained to replicate human thought processes, even when tasked with executing citizens without humanity.
Privacy Violations
The film also raises alarm about personal privacy. Raven is granted unrestricted access to the private lives of individuals, revealing that citizens must link their phones to a police surveillance network. This blatant disregard for privacy highlights another dystopian element of Bekmambetov’s vision.
Conclusion
In summary, “Mercy” is not just a lackluster film but a piece that could perpetuate troubling societal views. It glorifies A.I. surveillance, promotes an unjust legal system, and undermines personal privacy. Despite its January release—typically a quiet time for new films—such themes warrant serious consideration. Viewers may find themselves questioning the implications of enjoying a film that appears to endorse A.I. in policing amid an ongoing societal crisis.
