In the world of entertainment, there's a saying: what is dead may never die. It might not be said exactly like that, but the point still stands. A film that initially flops at the box office can find new life in the age of streaming, even if it takes a few months. This is the case for the sci-fi film that has been quietly dominating Prime Video for the past seven weeks, which Collider's own Chris McPherson reported on 4 October 2026.
The feature, which was made with a budget of $60 million, became a surprise hit on Prime Video after its theatrical run failed to make an impact at the box office. This success story is not unique in the streaming age; many films that initially fail to find an audience in theaters often find new life online, suggesting that audiences may be waiting to watch these films at home rather than in cinemas.
What is 'Mercy' About?
The sci-fi action-thriller is directed by Timur Bekmambetov, famous for his "Screenlife" films such as Unfriended and Searching. The film is set in a futuristic Los Angeles where a new form of justice has been established: the "Mercy Court," which gives criminals 90 minutes to prove their innocence or face execution. The film's protagonist is a detective named Chris Raven, who is accused of murdering his wife Nicole. To prove his innocence, he must navigate the court's virtual reality system, which is controlled by an AI known as Judge Maddox. The film also explores themes of addiction and family conflict, as Raven struggles with alcoholism and his relationship with his daughter.
Who Is in 'Mercy'?
The film's cast includes several well-known actors. Chris Pratt, known for his role as Star-Lord in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, plays the lead role of Chris Raven. Rebecca Ferguson, who stars in the Apple TV+ series Silo, plays the AI Judge Maddox. The cast also includes Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country), Annabelle Wallis (The Mummy), Chris Sullivan (This Is Us), Kylie Rogers (Yellowstone), and Kenneth Choi (9-1-1).