Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense AI thriller puts viewers in the detective's seat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mercy
What's the Story?
In the near future, detective Chris Raven (Chris Pratt) is a city hero who championed Los Angeles' new MERCY court system, which operates entirely on artificial intelligence, making unemotional decisions based on facts. The move to the new system was based on civil unrest: It allows the AI full access to every police file, city/doorbell camera, and social media post, as well as unlimited cell phone data (text, photos, videos, location tracking), so that it can swiftly determine the perpetrator of crimes and bring them to justice. But Raven also drinks too much, to the point of blacking out for five hours. When he sobers up enough to realize that he's sitting in front of AI Judge Maddox (Rebecca Ferguson), accused of murdering his wife, Raven has only 90 minutes to prove his innocence—or be executed.
Is It Any Good?
Families who love escape rooms: This gripping thriller is for you. When Raven comes to in Mercy, he's strapped to a chair, alone in a room, with just 90 minutes to prove his innocence—without leaving said chair. At his disposal are police files and history, location trackers, and video access to cameras throughout the city and in the house where the murder took place. The similarity to an escape room is unmissable, to the point that, when Raven starts going off track, he's reminded to return to a promising lead.
Director Timur Bekmambetov is a pro at making action cinematic, even when his main character is confined to one spot. And Mercy isn't just absorbing and exciting, it's fascinating. The movie's judicial system seems futuristic and dystopian but also unnervingly like a very possible near-future reality. And the timer counting down ensures that no time is wasted—something relevant will happen in every frame. It's solid entertainment, one that keeps you guessing until the very end and gives you a lot to talk about afterward. Just like the best escape rooms.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Mercy depicts the dangers—and capabilities—of artificial intelligence. Do you think giving a face or "personality" to AI is a service or disservice? How does the AI in the movie compare to what we have today?
What role does social media play in helping to solve the crime? Do you think real-life police and prosecutors use social media to help them investigate cases? Who else might review social media accounts to find out more about someone?
How do the filmmakers make the action in Mercy cinematic while keeping the main character removed from it all, stuck in a room? Can you think of other films in which the main character is trapped in one spot? How does Mercy compare?
Does the movie glamorize drinking or drug use? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 23, 2026
- On DVD or streaming : February 17, 2026
- Cast : Chris Pratt , Rebecca Ferguson , Kali Reis
- Director : Timur Bekmambetov
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Amazon MGM Studios
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : STEM ( AI )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, some violent/bloody images and brief drug use.
- Last updated : February 3, 2026
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