This is a suspense flick where technology and AI surround the premises throughout the entire hour and forty minutes. While the story remains on track, the predictability is high. This is Mercy directed by Timur Bekmambetov. In this movie, laws and lies are put to the technological test. Probability, stats, and tracking are the keys to saving one’s life, while at the same time, these same tools are being employed to clear one’s name. 

The film’s main character is Chris Raven (Chriss Pratt). He wakes up locked into a chair, and the person he is speaking to is an electronic judge, Judge Maddox (Rebecca Ferguson). Chris is accused of murdering his wife. The system is called “Mercy.” This means that he is given ninety minutes to prove his innocence. Because Chris is locked in a chair, he must deal with the complications of contacting those to help him find the missing pieces to prove his innocence while continually handling the frustration and stressors caused by Judge Maddox. Since she is an AI character, she resets a lot. When time is of the essence, technological glitches only add to the risk that Chris will look guilty of this crime.

The film highlights innovation through technological innovations which aid in connecting the dots and performing tracking simulations. The visuals are a rollercoaster of amusing graphics, especially when Chris contacts his assistant Jacqueline (Kali Reis). She is the officer who goes through the streets to find the missing pieces for Chris. However, the probability of proving Chris innocent remains low. The challenge is heightened because those who plotted against him knew the facts and were able to tamper with the evidence which causes him to look guilty. The retracing of steps utilizing technology makes Mercy mesmerizing.

Time is of the essence, yet the film feels drags at times. There is a timer that audiences see repeatedly next to the performance of Ferguson. This gives audiences an idea of how long they will either get to enjoy or not enjoy this thriller. Some will and others won’t. I fell into the neutral category, partly because I’m a firm believer in fairness. Putting the facts and logistics together throughout the film made Mercy have some compelling scenes. The dynamic between the characters played by Pratt and Reiswas strong. Both are experienced playing roles that do not take no for answer.