Posted 1/23/2026
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, Mercy is a pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller that explores the terrifying possibility of justice being entirely outsourced to artificial intelligence. Chris Pratt stars as Detective Raymond, a man whose life is upended when he is accused of murdering his wife and forced to stand trial before Judge Maddox (Rebecca Ferguson), an AI program he once touted as the pinnacle of human progress. Confined to a high-tech interrogation chamber, Raymond is given a mere 90 minutes to scavenge for evidence of his innocence while the AI weighs his fate. The film uses its ticking-clock premise to create a sense of mounting dread, questioning whether "mercy" can truly exist in a world ruled by algorithms and data.
The film distinguishes itself through Bekmambetov’s signature visual flair, utilizing IMAX technology to heighten the tension of the near-future setting. As the mystery unfolds, the narrative shifts from a simple courtroom drama into a complex conspiracy thriller, suggesting that the AI might be being manipulated by human hands from the shadows. With a strong supporting cast including Kali Reis and Annabelle Wallis, Mercy serves as a timely critique of our increasing reliance on technology to solve human problems. It is a visceral, action-packed examination of morality and survival, positioning itself as one of the first major "must-watch" blockbusters of 2026.
Movie descriptions were generated by Google Gemini.
