The sci-fi thriller Mercy hits theaters tomorrow, and early reviews suggest the title fits the suspenseful story. Chris Pratt stars as a detective accused of his wife’s murder, and he has to convince an artificial intelligence judge (Rebecca Ferguson) of his innocence.
The new movie Mercy is currently receiving very negative reviews, with a 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 44 reviews released yesterday. While this score could change as more reviews come in over the next couple of days, it’s off to a rough start.
Here’s a collection of early reviews so you can decide if you’d like to see Mercy in theaters this weekend.
What to Read Next
The Independent
This film borrows heavily from the dark, futuristic style of classic police dystopia movies like Minority Report, RoboCop, and Blade Runner, but strangely presents these terrifying ideas as if they’re perfectly acceptable.
IGN
Mercy is a frustrating sci-fi thriller that wastes a good idea. The film, which largely takes place on screens, traps Chris Pratt (and the audience) in a tense situation, but ultimately fails to deliver on its promise of exploring the risks of combining the legal system with artificial intelligence.

HeyUGuys
Mercy isn’t terrible, but it’s remarkably shallow. It tries to look like a great science fiction movie, but it misses what makes the genre truly special.
The Guardian
The film is clever and entertaining, with some fun surprises. However, the climax, which becomes very over-the-top and action-packed, might push things a little too far into silliness.
Variety
Okay, so when I first heard about Mercy, it sounded like one of those old-school action movies Arnold Schwarzenegger used to be in – you know, the kind where they’re fighting against a super-powerful, tech-gone-wrong government. Honestly, I thought it would be pretty basic. But it actually surprised me – it’s way better than I expected, a couple of levels up from what I initially figured.

The Daily Beast
“Designed in every way to make one bleary eyed, it’s the new year’s dreariest, and goofiest, film.”
IndieWire
The entire production felt unfinished, like a rough first attempt. The acting lacked energy, and while the crew did adequate work, it wasn’t particularly impressive, giving the impression everyone just wanted to finish and move on to the next project.
Mercy is released in cinemas on 23 January.
The latest issue of Living Legends is now available, and it’s dedicated to the incredible Dolly Parton! You can find a copy of ‘Dolly at 80’ at newsagents or online for only £8.99.
Read More
- MLBB x KOF Encore 2026: List of bingo patterns
- Married At First Sight’s worst-kept secret revealed! Brook Crompton exposed as bride at centre of explosive ex-lover scandal and pregnancy bombshell
- Top 10 Super Bowl Commercials of 2026: Ranked and Reviewed
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Why Andy Samberg Thought His 2026 Super Bowl Debut Was Perfect After “Avoiding It For A While”
- Influencer known as the ‘Human Barbie’ is dug up from HER GRAVE amid investigation into shock death at 31
- How Everybody Loves Raymond’s ‘Bad Moon Rising’ Changed Sitcoms 25 Years Ago
- Genshin Impact Zibai Build Guide: Kits, best Team comps, weapons and artifacts explained
- Meme Coins Drama: February Week 2 You Won’t Believe
- Brent Oil Forecast
2026-01-22 14:49