The sci-fi action thriller Mercy — starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson — is currently one of the most talked-about new cinematic releases of early 2026. After a long development and a winter release shift, the movie has finally hit theaters, sparking buzz for its premise, production choices and early audience reactions.
Release & Global Rollout
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and written by Marco van Belle, Mercy was released in cinemas on January 23, 2026, after being moved from its original August 2025 release date to a strategic winter launch. It opened in IMAX and 3D formats in key markets including the United States and internationally, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Releasing International.
Early preview screenings also took place in select theaters — including AMC’s Screen Unseen and Regal’s Monday Mystery Movie programs — ahead of the wide launch.
Plot & Premise
Set in 2029 Los Angeles, Mercy thrusts viewers into a dystopian future justice system where suspects in capital cases are judged by artificial intelligence rather than people. Pratt plays Detective Chris Raven, who must prove his innocence within 90 minutes after being accused of murdering his wife — before the AI judge Maddox (Ferguson) executes judgment.
The narrative unfolds in a “screenlife”-style format: much of the action plays out through digital interfaces, cloud databases, surveillance recordings and real-time tech, intensifying the claustrophobic tension of the plot.
Cast & Creative Team
- Chris Pratt as Detective Chris Raven
- Rebecca Ferguson as Judge Maddox (AI)
- Kali Reis, Annabelle Wallis, Kylie Rogers, Chris Sullivan, Rafi Gavron and others fill key supporting roles.
- Music is composed by Ramin Djawadi, adding an immersive techno-thriller soundscape.
Trailer & Promotion
The official trailers for Mercy — including an IMAX-ready second trailer — were released in late 2025, showcasing surveillance-style visuals, intense courtroom sequences and the high stakes of Pratt’s race against time in a world dominated by algorithmic justice.
Critical Reception & Buzz
Despite the star power and ambitious premise, early critical reviews have been largely negative:
- The film garnered a low Rotten Tomatoes score from critics, around 20 %, with many reviewers describing the techno-thriller concept as uneven and its execution weak.
- Metacritic early tallies show similarly modest scores, with critics citing pacing issues and a lack of thematic depth despite clever ideas.
However, audience reaction — particularly from verified Rotten Tomatoes scoreboards — is significantly more positive, often in the 70–80 % range, suggesting a divide between critics and general viewers on enjoyment value and entertainment quality.
Production Insights
Chris Pratt has shared that for authenticity, he requested to actually be strapped into the execution-style chair used in one of the story’s pivotal scenes so his performance would feel more visceral and real.
He also revealed light-hearted behind-the-scenes casting ideas — including early jokes about using an AI actor or even Oprah for the AI judge role before the team settled on Ferguson.
📺 Streaming Window Expectations
Mercy is currently exclusive to theaters, and not yet streaming on services like Netflix. Because it’s an Amazon MGM Studios project, it’s expected to arrive on Amazon Prime Video roughly 34–41 days after its theatrical debut — likely by late February to early March 2026 — following a similar release strategy used for other MGM titles.
Why Mercy Is Trending
The film’s mix of AI justice themes, thriller pacing, and digital courtroom presentation has made it a talking point across social media and film forums. While some viewers enjoy its tension and imaginative future tech, others debate its narrative execution and critical reception — fueling ongoing conversation online.
Final Take
Mercy represents a bold sci-fi experiment in mainstream cinema: a high-concept hybrid of action and courtroom drama driven by AI fears and thrills. Its theatrical release marks a key moment in Amazon MGM’s 2026 slate, even if critical reception has been mixed. With a strong audience response and a likely early streaming debut on Prime Video, Mercy continues to spark discussion among fans of Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson and futuristic thrillers alike.
