“Mercy” Review: Countdown Clock Fails to Impress

Using a countdown clock for most of a movie is a bold choice. In a film like “Mercy”, where a Los Angeles detective must prove his innocence to an artificial intelligence judge before time runs out, it is supposed to create tension. Think of the suspense in a Mission: Impossible movie when a bomb is ticking and Tom Cruise hasn’t escaped yet—time adds excitement.

But in “Mercy”, which released in theaters on Thursday, the countdown feels more annoying than thrilling. Instead of building suspense, it constantly reminds the audience of how much longer they have to sit through the film.

Even with stars like Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, the movie struggles to keep viewers engaged. The ticking clock, rather than creating excitement, becomes a distraction that highlights the film’s weaknesses.

In short, the countdown idea might have worked in a better movie, but in “Mercy”, it only makes the experience feel longer.