In ancient lore, the infamous “brazen bull,” a torturous contraption that roasted victims alive, was said to have met its own inventor as its first casualty. This elaborate and cruel device, believed to originate from ancient Greece, was a massive bronze statue of a bull with a lockable door. The unfortunate victim would be locked inside, and the bull would be placed over a fire, gradually heating up the enclosure as the walls grew hotter.
The screams of the captive would echo through pipes, emerging from the bull’s mouth and nostrils, resembling the cry of a cow. Similarly, the newly released film “Mercy,” featuring Chris Pratt, may invoke feelings of agony. The movie, often likened to a diluted version of “Minority Report,” weaves a cautionary narrative set in a future where an AI-driven court administers capital punishment.
The story follows Detective Chris Raven, who finds himself entangled in a trial after his wife’s murder. Accused and facing a lethal sentence, Chris must prove his innocence to the AI judge within a strict timeframe. Despite the odds stacked against him, Chris attempts to navigate the ruthless legal system to save himself and his family.
While the premise of “Mercy” holds potential as a satirical commentary on societal trends, the film falters in execution, failing to delve deeply into its thematic elements. The movie’s shift towards promoting AI as a benevolent entity comes across as forced and unconvincing, missing the mark on its intended message.
In contrast to its predecessor “Clemency,” which delved into the moral complexities of capital punishment, “Mercy” struggles to engage viewers on a deeper level. The film’s misguided portrayal of AI as a flawless arbiter of justice undermines its credibility, turning what could have been a thought-provoking narrative into a shallow exploration of futuristic technology.
Ultimately, “Mercy” falls short of its potential, veering into nonsensical territory and failing to deliver a compelling argument on the ethical implications of AI-driven justice systems.