Mercy just hit theaters today with Chris Pratt facing a shocking 90-minute trial. Critics are split on this dystopian AI thriller. The early reviews reveal a film that delivers intense action but struggles to justify its ambitious premise.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: January 23, 2026 in United States theaters nationwide
- Critical Reception: 22% on Rotten Tomatoes, 37 on Metacritic from 27 critics
- Plot Setup: Detective on trial for murder has 90 minutes to prove innocence to AI judge
- Setting: Los Angeles in 2029 under new AI-controlled justice system
Chris Pratt Strapped Into High-Stakes Sci-Fi Courtroom Thriller
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Chris Pratt plays Detective Christopher Raven in Mercy, a cop accused of murdering his wife. He must convince an advanced AI Judge, played by Rebecca Ferguson, of his innocence within 90 minutes. The film explores what happens when justice becomes algorithm. Director Timur Bekmambetov brings kinetic energy to the premise, previously directing Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
The dystopian setting is Los Angeles in 2029, where lawmakers voted to let artificial intelligence handle criminal trials. Pratt delivers intensity here, but critics noted the screenplay sometimes undermines the concept with lapses in logic and pacing issues.
Reviews Are Sharply Divided on What Mercy Achieves
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The Guardian called it “ingenious and watchable” with “cheeky twists,” though the final escalation feels like “a step too far towards pure absurdity.” Rotten Tomatoes sits at just 22% positive from 96 critics, suggesting audiences will find this film divisive. Roger Ebert’s site rated it 2 out of 4, saying it’s “campy” but lacks depth despite its urgent pacing.
Metacritic assigned a score of 37 out of 100, indicating “generally unfavorable” reviews. Empire Online described it as “a frustrating mess.” Film critics agree the concept doesn’t fully justify the theatrical experience Bekmambetov delivers.
Cast and Production Details Behind the AI Courtroom Drama
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | January 23, 2026 |
| Studio | Amazon MGM Studios |
| Director | Timur Bekmambetov |
| Lead Cast | Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Kali Reis, Annabelle Wallis |
| Runtime | 100 minutes |
| Rating | PG-13 for violence and drug content |
Rebecca Ferguson voices Judge Maddox, the AI making life-or-death verdicts. Kali Reis plays Pratt’s police partner, while Annabelle Wallis appears as his deceased wife. Ramin Djawadi, known for Game of Thrones scores, composed the film’s music. The production budget was $60 million, with filming wrapped by May 2023 after Pratt suffered an ankle injury on set.
“It’s ingenious and watchable stuff, with cheeky twists, although the final escalation to full-on action mayhem is maybe a step too far towards pure absurdity.”
— The Guardian, Film Review
Why Mixed Reviews Won’t Stop Mercy From Finding Its Audience
Despite divisive critical reception, Mercy offers what many viewers want: high-concept sci-fi action with a movie star facing impossible odds. The screenlife technique keeps tension contained to limited spaces. Some reviewers praised the ambition even while criticizing execution. Reddit’s movie community found it entertaining despite flaws, suggesting casual viewers may overlook what critics flagged.
The film debates serious questions about AI in the justice system, though it sometimes gets lost in chase sequences and explosions. This tension between philosophical thriller and pure action spectacle defines the entire experience for viewers.
Will Mercy Convince You an AI Judge Can’t Be Wrong?
The central question Mercy poses is whether artificial intelligence should control human fate. Can an algorithm be biased? Can it make mistakes? The film answers this through Chris Pratt’s desperate fight for freedom. Critics felt the movie never fully explored these implications, opting instead for conventional action beats. Your answer to this philosophical dilemma may determine your entire experience watching this 100-minute thriller.
Streaming availability remains unclear for now, with Amazon MGM Studios distributing theatrically. This high-concept sci-fi may find a second life on streaming after its theatrical run concludes.
Sources
- Rotten Tomatoes: Critical and audience aggregated reviews for Mercy (2026)
- The Guardian: Film review praising Mercy’s ingenuity and watchability
- Wikipedia: Production details, cast information, and box office data
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.