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Mercy (2026) Review: Chris Pratt’s Sci-Fi Thriller – Watch or Skip this Friday?
Mercy, the upcoming sci-fi action thriller starring Chris Pratt, arrives in theaters this Friday, January 23, 2026, from Amazon MGM Studios. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted), the film reunites Pratt with his old collaborator for a high-stakes, real-time story set in a near-future world.
Pratt plays LAPD detective Chris Raven, accused of murdering his wife. Strapped to an execution chair, he has just 90 minutes to prove his innocence to an advanced AI judge named Maddox (voiced/performed by Rebecca Ferguson), a system he once helped champion. The clock ticks in real time as Raven races to uncover the truth amid digital surveillance and AI justice.
The film explores timely themes: the dangers of relying on artificial intelligence for life-or-death decisions, privacy erosion, and flaws in automated systems. Filmed for IMAX and 3D, it promises intense visuals, with Pratt reportedly requesting to be barefoot and locked in the chair for authenticity.
The cast includes strong support: Kali Reis, Annabelle Wallis, Chris Sullivan, Kylie Rogers, Kenneth Choi, and Rafi Gavron. Running 100 minutes and rated PG-13 (some sources note R for intensity), it’s positioned as a gripping mystery-thriller with sci-fi edges.
Pre-Release Buzz and Trailer Highlights
The official trailer dropped late 2025, building hype with its ticking-clock tension and Pratt’s desperate performance. It shows Raven pleading his case while flashbacks reveal the crime and his past advocacy for the Mercy Program AI.
Pratt has shared in interviews how the role pushed him physically and emotionally – being restrained added realism to the claustrophobic “screenlife” style (much of the action unfolds in confined, digital-heavy setups).
No full reviews are out yet since the wide release is days away, but early screenings and promo events have sparked mixed but intrigued reactions. Some praise the premise as a modern Minority Report vibe, while others question if the execution delivers on the high-concept promise.
Public Reactions Heating Up
Social media is buzzing ahead of opening weekend. Fans are excited for Pratt in a serious thriller role post-Guardians, and the AI ethics angle feels relevant. Early attendees from previews share quick takes.
(Responsive / Native Ad)
Saw Mercy tonight. It was really good, worth a watch. Chris Pratt makes the movie, and it’s an interesting story.
— Kpax (@utes20) January 20, 2026
The Source Code-adjacent story of #Mercy had the ingredients of a tight and entertaining thriller, but an over complicated screenplay, jarring editing choices and a career-worst Chris Pratt performance made this an eye-rolling experience from start to finish. It’s also pro-AI.
— StuckerMovieReviews (@MovieStucker) January 20, 2026
Watch or Skip?
If you love contained thrillers like Phone Booth or Buried, with a dash of Black Mirror-style tech commentary, Mercy looks promising. Pratt’s star power, the real-time format, and IMAX/3D presentation could make it a solid big-screen experience.
Potential skips: If you’re tired of AI dystopias or want groundbreaking twists, early whispers suggest it might lean familiar or uneven. Still, the premise hooks – one man’s fight against the machine he built.
Catch it this Friday in theaters (wide release, check local showtimes). No streaming yet – Amazon MGM likely holds for a bit post-theatrical.
The 2026 movie season kicks off with this one – intriguing enough to warrant a ticket? The clock starts now.
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