Mercy (2026) – AI Sci-Fi Crime Thriller | Jan 23, 2026
Set in a chilling near future, Mercy is a gripping blend of action, crime, sci-fi, and thriller that questions the very foundation of justice in an AI-driven world.
Directed by the visionary Timur Bekmambetov, the film delivers relentless tension, emotional depth, and a race-against-time narrative that keeps audiences on edge from start to finish. With a runtime of 1 hour 43 minutes, Mercy releases in 3D and English, rated UA16+, and hits theaters on January 23, 2026.
A Futuristic Courtroom With No Mercy
In the near future, law enforcement and justice have evolved—and not necessarily for the better. At the center of the story is Detective Chris Raven, an LAPD officer who suddenly finds himself imprisoned and accused of murdering his own wife. However, instead of a human jury or judge, his fate rests in the hands of an advanced AI judicial system known as Judge Maddox.
What makes the situation even more terrifying is the ticking clock. Chris has exactly 90 minutes to prove his innocence. Otherwise, the sentence is immediate execution. As the countdown begins, the film steadily escalates tension, forcing both the protagonist and the audience to question whether technology can truly understand truth, emotion, and justice.
A Race Against Time Fueled by Emotion
While the premise is high-concept, Mercy grounds its story in deeply personal stakes. Chris is not only fighting for his life, but also for the truth behind his wife’s death and the future of his daughter. As memories, evidence, and hidden secrets surface, the narrative constantly shifts between past and present. Consequently, viewers are pulled into a psychological maze where every revelation raises new doubts.
Moreover, the AI judge is not portrayed as a simple villain. Instead, Judge Maddox represents cold logic, flawless calculation, and emotionless judgment. This contrast between human instinct and machine reasoning forms the emotional core of the film. As a result, Mercy becomes more than a thriller—it becomes a philosophical debate wrapped in blockbuster spectacle.
Powerful Performances Elevate the Story
- Chris Pratt delivers an intense and vulnerable performance as Det. Chris Raven, capturing both desperation and determination.
- Rebecca Ferguson commands the screen as Judge Maddox, giving the AI an unsettling presence that feels both calm and terrifying.
- Annabelle Wallis appears as Nicole Raven, whose death is the catalyst for the entire trial.
- Kylie Rogers adds emotional weight as Britt Raven, Chris’ daughter and his strongest motivation.
- Kali Reis shines as Jacqueline “Jaq” Diallo, Chris’ trusted partner, who may hold key answers.
- Chris Sullivan rounds out the cast as Rob Nelson, a close friend whose loyalty is tested.
Together, the cast brings credibility and emotional resonance to a futuristic story, ensuring that the stakes always feel real.
Direction, Writing, and Visual Scale
Under Timur Bekmambetov’s direction, Mercy maintains a fast pace while still allowing moments of reflection. Meanwhile, Marco van Belle’s screenplay cleverly balances action sequences with moral dilemmas. Visually, the film uses sleek, high-tech environments and sharp 3D visuals to enhance the claustrophobic trial setting.
Furthermore, the production powerhouses Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Atlas Entertainment, and Bazelevs Company ensure a polished cinematic experience. Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Releasing International, the film is positioned as a major global release.
Why Mercy Is a Must-Watch in 2026
Ultimately, Mercy stands out because it combines thrilling entertainment with thought-provoking questions. As AI continues to grow in real life, the film feels timely, relevant, and unsettling. Not only does it deliver action and suspense, but it also asks: Can justice exist without humanity?
For fans of intelligent sci-fi thrillers, courtroom dramas with a twist, and high-concept action films, Mercy is an unmissable theatrical experience.
