Director Timur Bekmambetov has seen some success in Hollywood with titles such as Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Now, he takes the helm of Mercy, a film starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, which takes place only a few years from now, in a future where our lives are dependent on AI. This cyber-thriller film releases in cinemas across the country from 23 January 2026. Selected winners will get a chance to watch the movie on 22 January, ahead of its official release.
Film Synopsis
In the near future, a detective (Chris Pratt) stands on trial accused of murdering his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to the advanced A.I. Judge (Rebecca Ferguson) he once championed, before it determines his fate.
With the increased use of AI, society becomes more dependent on its use in almost all facets of daily living. For Detective Chris Raven (Chris Pratt), the stakes are life or death after being accused of murdering his wife.
The film is directed by Timur Bekmambetov and written by Marco van Belle, and is set in 2029 Los Angeles. Det. Raven has 90 minutes to present his case to prove his innocence to Judge Maddox (Rebecca Ferguson) – a crime he swears he didn’t commit. Prior to his trial, Det. Raven was a huge proponent of the advanced AI systems used to judge such cases, now goes up against it in a cruel turn of events.
How To Win Tickets To The Early Screening
Johannesburg: Thursday 22 January 2026, 19:00 for 19:30 movie start
Complete the form below and tell us what you expect from the film in the comments, and you could score double tickets to an exclusive screening for Mercy.
The competition will close on Monday, 19 January 2026. Winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email, and will be provided with venue details. The giveaway is restricted to readers who reside in South Africa only. Terms and conditions/Site disclaimer rules apply. One entry per person. The winners will be contacted via email. The prize excludes travel, is non-transferable, and cannot be redeemed in cash or exchanged for a different date or venue.
I’m excited for this one because it chooses to use AI in a way that doesn’t celebrate it, but rather criticises the loopholes in its system – specifically when used in justice-orientated work. I’m a big fan of the crime thriller genre as a whole, and Pratt always delivers!
I am expecting lots of action with on the edge of your seat thrills and excitement
Hoping for an action-packed thriller with good writing acting and a great screenplay.
Hoping for a gripping, moving film with unexpected moments and a story that leaves a lasting impact!
I except Mercy to be an intense and suspenseful movie that is going to make me question if technology can deliver justice with empathy. I am expecting it to be an amazing movie
Expectations is action pack with comedy coz of Chris!!!!
I’m looking forward to seeing Chris Pratts performance and how he brings the character to life
I cannot wait to watch this 3D tense Thriller! Great Actors should make for an Amazing futuristic experience!
Expecting a lot of action and suspense
My expectation is something different. The concept sounds insane it would be an interesting watch to see how he tries to prove his innocence against the AI. I think it’s gonna be a good one.
I expect this movie to flip the script on AI and highlight both the positive but also dark side of AI development. Coupled with a crime thriller and THE Chris Pratt, it will make for an interesting film exploring the potential future of the American court system.
I’m excited for this one because it chooses to use AI in a way that doesn’t celebrate it, but rather criticises the loopholes in its system – specifically when used in justice-orientated work. I’m a big fan of the crime thriller genre as a whole, and Pratt always delivers!
only JHB :-(
I am expecting a lot of action, fast cars, and perhaps a surprising twist in the plot. The idea is fresh and new so looking foward to it
An edge of your seat thriller, filled with advanced technology and some qurky one liners delivered by Chris Pratt! Makes for an entertaining evening out.
I expect a tense, futuristic thriller that explores AI-driven justice, tough moral choices, and what mercy means when decisions are influenced by technology rather than human emotion.
I expect plot twists and a gripping narrative that raises questions about the ethics of advanced A.I. systems.
An action packed, and with one of my favorite actors Chris Pratt
I am really looking forward to watching this type of movie its different and sounds exciting. I expect this movie to have me sitting at the edge of my seat not knowing what to expect next.
Mercy is heavy, emotional, and beautifully real. I’m expecting secrets to surface, hearts to soften, and choices to be made that will change everything. This feels like the kind of movie where mercy hurts before it heals—but the healing will be worth it.
I am expecting a great storyline and a lot of action, explosions. Great actors.. Looking forward
Expecting relentless Tension, Thought-Provoking Themes, Genre Blending, Strong Performances (from AI as well).
Hoping this will be designed to be an intense, pressure-cooker experience that demands full attention for non-stop action.