Mercy Review (2026): Chris Pratt’s Box Office Test

In a weekend battered by brutal North American winter storms that shuttered hundreds of theaters and kept audiences indoors, Chris Pratt’s sci-fi thriller Mercy (released January 23, 2026, by Amazon MGM Studios) managed to claim the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Profile), the film debuted to an estimated $11.2 million in North America—enough to dethrone James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash after its five-weekend reign, despite projections initially aiming higher around $12-13 million before weather impacts revised numbers downward.

Globally, Mercy opened to around $22-23 million (including modest international earnings), far from blockbuster territory for its reported $60 million budget. But in a historically quiet weekend dominated by snow and ice, this counts as a win—especially as it unseated the massive Avatar: Fire and Ash (which fell to second with about $7 million, pushing its domestic total past $378 million and global over $1.38 billion). The storm’s role can’t be overstated: with ~400 theaters closed and overall box office hitting the lowest YTD totals, Mercy‘s performance reflects resilience more than dominance.

Plot Breakdown (Spoiler-Free)

Set in a near-future 2029 Los Angeles plagued by rising crime, Mercy introduces the Mercy Capital Court: an AI-driven judicial system where defendants are presumed guilty and given just 90 minutes to prove innocence—or face execution. Pratt plays LAPD Detective Chris Raven, a once-ardent supporter of the system who now finds himself strapped into the infamous “Mercy Chair,” accused of brutally murdering his wife Nicole (Annabelle Wallis). Presiding is the unflinching AI Judge Maddox, voiced and visualized by Rebecca Ferguson—a digital arbiter that Raven helped champion alongside his partner Jaq (Kali Reis).

The story unfolds almost entirely in real-time as Raven races the clock, piecing together evidence from surveillance feeds, phone records, and personal history to challenge the overwhelming case against him. It’s a high-concept techno-thriller blending courtroom drama, mystery, and action, with themes of algorithmic justice, surveillance overreach, alcoholism, and redemption.

Chris Pratt’s Performance

Pratt commits fully to the role of a flawed, desperate detective—hungover, disoriented, and fighting for his life. Strapped to a chair for much of the runtime, he conveys frustration, vulnerability, and grit through intense close-ups and dialogue-heavy scenes. While some critics note the limitations of the static setup, Pratt’s everyman charisma shines in moments of emotional rawness, particularly in family-related flashbacks and confrontations. It’s a departure from his blockbuster hero roles, showing range in a more grounded, intense thriller.

Rebecca Ferguson as the AI Judge Maddox delivers a cool, authoritative presence—her digital avatar feels eerily composed yet subtly evolving.

Why It’s a Must-Watch (Despite Mixed Reviews)

Mercy earns a low 20-22% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics (described as “tedious,” “clunky,” and “airless” by some), but audiences rate it much higher—around 81-82%—praising the concept, suspense, and entertainment value. This divide echoes Pratt’s non-MCU track record: critics often pan, while viewers enjoy the popcorn thrills.

Comparisons to similar thrillers:

• Echoes of Minority Report (AI/pre-crime justice) and The Fugitive (wrongly accused protagonist racing time).
• Shares Bekmambetov’s “screenlife” style (heavy on digital interfaces) from Unfriended or Searching, but with more action in the final act (including a brisk chase sequence).
• Less ambitious than Ex Machina or Blade Runner 2049 on AI ethics, but more accessible and fast-paced—like a January release version of RoboCop meets a locked-room mystery.

It’s not revolutionary, but the ticking-clock premise builds genuine tension, and the timely AI-judge concept feels plausible amid real-world debates on automation and justice. The third act ramps up with twists and escalation, delivering satisfying payoff for thriller fans.

Audience Reactions

Viewers on platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes call it “entertaining” and “edge-of-your-seat,” appreciating the high-concept idea, Pratt’s delivery, and Ferguson’s commanding voice work. Common praise: solid suspense, interesting future-tech, and a fun popcorn watch in 3D/IMAX. Detractors cite weak execution, predictable elements, and underused supporting cast—but many say it’s better than expected for a winter dump release.

In short, Mercy isn’t topping any “best of 2026” lists, but it delivered a surprise box office upset amid chaos. If you enjoy high-stakes thrillers with sci-fi twists and don’t mind a contained setting, it’s worth a theater trip (or Prime Video stream soon). Chris Pratt fans will find him engaging, even if the film doesn’t fully live up to its ambitious premise.

What did you think of Mercy? Drop your take in the comments below, and check out more movie insights at www.nriglobe.com!