Mercy (2026) Film Review: An AI Thriller More Human Than Expected

I recently watched Mercy. I think this is one of those films where people might have differing views. 

While many reviews of Mercy have been lukewarm or critical, I enjoyed it more than I had expected. 

It is not a perfect film of course, and it does have its flaws, but there is enough in its premise, performances, and underlying ideas to make it a worthwhile watch. 

At its core, Mercy is not just a thriller or a legal drama. 

It is a story about justice, technology, and the uneasy relationship between human judgment and artificial intelligence (AI). What surprised me most is that the AI element is not portrayed in a purely cold or mechanical way. Instead, it comes across as more nuanced, and at times even more emotionally aware and supportive than one might initially expect.

Plot summary

Spoiler alert: 

Set in a near future shaped by advanced AI systems, Mercy revolves around a controversial legal framework where AI plays a central role in determining guilt and innocence. The story follows a detective accused of a serious crime, murdering his wife, with the case unfolding in a system that relies heavily on predictive analysis and algorithmic judgment. The detective in question had been a strong supporter of this AI system and now finds himself in an awkward predicament of being on the wrong side of the law. 

There is even a visual, percentage-based estimate of how likely one is guilty, to make sure everyone watching gets the point.  

As the narrative develops, questions begin to surface about whether the system is truly fair, or whether it is simply efficient. 

The legal process becomes a battleground between human intuition and machine driven conclusions. 

At the same time, the portrayal of AI is not entirely detached. There are moments where Rebecca Ferguson's AI judge character appears to understand context, respond in a measured way, and even support outcomes that feel more humane than expected. 

There are a few plot turns along the way, nothing overly complex, but enough to shift the direction of the story and keep things engaging. While the structure remains relatively straightforward, the ideas underneath give the film more substance than a typical courtroom thriller.

What works best

What I appreciated most about Mercy is that it tries to explore something meaningful. It is easy for films about AI to fall into predictable territory, either portraying technology as entirely good or entirely dangerous. Mercy takes a more balanced approach. 

The film invites viewers to think about what justice really means in a world where decisions can be made faster and more consistently by machines. Is fairness about efficiency or accuracy, or about understanding human context? Can an algorithm truly account for intent, emotion, or moral nuance? Can AI have ... intuition? These are not easy questions, and the film deserves credit for engaging with such challenging questions in a thriller. 

The performances also help carry the film. Chris Pratt brings excitement and drama. Rebecca Ferguson adds intensity and credibility, particularly in the more emotionally charged moments. Together, they give the film a sense of weight that keeps it engaging.

Another strength is that the film remains watchable throughout. The pacing is steady, and the central premise is strong enough to carry the story.

It is also fair to say why some viewers may not have responded as positively. The film does not always go as deep as it could with its ideas. At times, it feels like it is touching on important themes without fully developing them.

Some of the plot developments are also somewhat predictable, especially for viewers familiar with legal or AI driven narratives. I think everyone watching knows that Chris Pratt's character is innocent, despite his many, many flaws and failings. 

And I think everyone watching also knows that Rebecca Ferguson's character was always going to turn more intuitive and reasonable and even warm. 

And I think everyone knows that the first, or even the second suspect, would not be the murderer... and the murderer is always, ALWAYS, much closer than one expects. If you know, you know. 

This means that this film stays within a relatively safe structure, which may make it feel less impactful than its premise suggests.

That said, these limitations did not take away from my overall enjoyment. The film still delivers a coherent and engaging experience.

Conclusion and recommendation

Mercy may not be universally praised, but it is better than its reception suggests. It offers an interesting premise, solid performances, and enough thoughtful moments to make it stand out.

What worked for me is that the film presents an AI that is not simply cold or detached, but one that at times feels more measured, more understanding, and even more supportive than expected. That subtle shift gives the film its identity.

If you are open to a more reflective thriller that blends legal drama with AI themes, Minority-report style, Mercy is worth watching.

Rating: 4.0 out of 5

(All views are my own personal thoughts and reflections on movies and books that I read, on my blog Left Hand Column: Book and Film Reviews.)