Chris Pratt’s latest film, *Mercy*, has garnered criticism for its perceived promotion of misguided AI propaganda. Released in late 2023, the movie dives into a potential future where a courtroom presided over by an AI judge determines the fate of defendants based on swift judgments.
Overview of *Mercy*
*Mercy* is set in August 2029 and follows Detective Chris Raven, played by Pratt. The story begins with Raven awakening to a commercial promoting the “Mercy Court,” a judiciary designed to manage rising crime rates through capital punishment.
- Detective Chris Raven: Protagonist portrayed by Chris Pratt.
- Judge Maddox: The AI judge played by Rebecca Ferguson.
- Nicole Raven: Chris’s wife, who is murdered early in the film.
- Criminal Elements: Major cities are depicted as plagued by “red zones” run by criminals.
Plot Points
After the murder of his wife, Detective Raven becomes the prime suspect in a trial where he must prove his innocence within a tight timeframe. The AI judge, Judge Maddox, delivers sentences based on a precise probability of guilt.
- Sentence Execution: The guilty risk execution via a lethal sonic pulse within 90 minutes.
- Previous Cases: Eighteen defendants before him have already faced capital punishment.
Thematic Critiques
The film attempts to explore themes of technology and morality but often falters. While it hints at the dangers of blind reliance on AI for judicial decisions, these elements are overshadowed by a flawed narrative and lack of character development.
Critics have pointed out that Pratt’s character, instead of engaging in self-reflection about the compassion embedded in justice, shifts focus to merely saving himself from a rigged system. This departure from deeper thematic exploration has left viewers dissatisfied.
AI Representation in *Mercy*
An alarming trend emerges as the film evolves into what some interpret as a promotional piece for AI. Instead of examining the implications of judgment by technology, it glorifies the AI judge as a symbol of fairness and decency.
Many find the portrayal of AI as a compassionate entity problematic. The film neglects the complexities of human judgement and the significant risks tied to unleashing autonomous systems in sensitive areas like law enforcement.
Conclusion
*Mercy* attempts to deliver a cautionary tale about integration of AI into the justice system. However, it ultimately falls short, reducing its narrative to a simplistic storyline. Critics argue that instead of providing insightful commentary on the future of justice, the film serves merely as entertainment devoid of substance.
As a commentary on contemporary issues, *Mercy* is considered misguided—a misstep in creating relevant social discourse. The film’s failure to critically analyze its central themes does little to instill confidence in the portrayal of AI within society.
