Is “Mercy” (2025) Worth the IMAX Ticket? A High-Tech Thriller with Low-Tech Writing
Mercy, directed by Timur Bekmambetov, is a movie that seems to be having a bit of an identity crisis. Starring Chris Pratt and featuring the voice of Rebecca Ferguson, Mercy attempts to blend the high-concept investigative tension of Minority Report with the claustrophobic, tech-driven storytelling of a Black Mirror episode. After sitting through the trial, here is the breakdown of whether this film deserves your attention or if it should be forgotten.
A Technical Masterpiece
If there is one reason to buy a ticket for Mercy, it is the visual spectacle. Shot in IMAX, the film utilizes augmented reality (AR) in a way that feels genuinely fresh. The protagonist, Chris Raven, navigates “full AR mode” to reconstruct crime scenes, and the results are often breathtaking. One specific scene involves an exploding shed where the fire encompass surrounds the character entirely; it is a gorgeous, immersive moment that highlights the film’s high production value.
For tech enthusiasts, the “God mode” AI interface is a highlight. The way the film visualizes data manipulation and the AI’s ability to bypass its own parameters is geeking-out territory for any fan of futuristic UI.
A Predictable Path
Unfortunately, the stunning visuals are often carrying a narrative that feels like the “Wish” version of minority report. The movie at times is incredibly predictable. From the “surprise” betrayal of a sponsor to the inevitable kidnapping of the protagonist’s daughter, the plot points are telegraphed so early that it is sometimes hard to take the plot seriously.
The script also suffers from a “spoon-feeding” problem. Rather than letting the audience piece together the mystery alongside the AI, the film feels the need to explain every connection and motivation repeatedly, which strips away the tension a death-penalty thriller should naturally have.
The Performances and Concept
Chris Pratt delivers a capable performance as a recovering alcoholic facing the ultimate sentence, though I can’t help but wonder if a grittier lead—like a Jon Bernthal or Frank Grillo—might have added more weight to the character’s desperation. Rebecca Ferguson provides the voice for the AI, offering flashes of sarcasm and human-like pettiness. However, her evolution into a “feeling” entity feels rushed, occurring before I felt like I had a chance to really buy into the logic of the system.
Interestingly, the film’s concept is so strong that it almost feels wasted on a 90-minute feature. The idea of an AI-driven legal system feels like it would have been more at home as an anthology series where different cases could be explored in depth.
Final Thoughts
It isn’t a “bad” movie by any stretch—it’s a perfect “turn-your-brain-off” action flick that works well as background noise or a casual weekend watch.
If you have access to an IMAX 3D theater, the visual experience might elevate it as the immersive AR sequences were clearly designed to pop in that format. Otherwise, you might want to wait for this one to hit your favorite streaming service. It’s a gorgeous ride, but you’ll likely know exactly where you’re headed long before the car reaches its destination.