Imagine being trapped, unable to move, with no way out. That's the reality Chris Pratt embraced for his new film, Mercy. This isn't your typical action-packed role; it's a stark departure from the wisecracking heroes we're used to seeing him portray.
Pratt takes on the role of Chris Raven, a homicide detective fighting for his life after being accused of murdering his wife. The twist? He wakes up in an executioner's chair after a night of heavy drinking, with only 90 minutes to convince an AI judge of his innocence, or face immediate execution.
The film's setting is a world where digital surveillance is the norm, and artificial intelligence is used to reduce crime. The central element is the Mercy court, a system Raven helped create, presided over by AI Judge Maddox, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Defendants have access to surveillance footage and short phone calls with witnesses, but there's no jury or chance to appeal. And the stakes are incredibly high, with 92% of trials resulting in instant execution. As Pratt puts it, "Commit a crime today, you'll be dead tomorrow."
But here's where it gets controversial: Pratt requested to be locked in the executioner's chair for real, for up to 50 minutes at a time. He wanted to capture the feelings of claustrophobia and being trapped. He was unable to scratch his face if it itched or get up, adding to the intensity of the performance. This commitment to realism allowed him to explore a different side of his acting abilities.
The filming process itself was unique. Much of the action is shown through surveillance footage, allowing Pratt to be released from the confines of the chair for certain scenes. This resulted in what he described as "almost like shooting two movies at once." He found the experience more fulfilling than the often disjointed nature of big blockbuster productions.
And this is the part most people miss: The film isn't just a thrilling sci-fi story; it also reflects our current reality. Artificial intelligence is already being integrated into policing. Some forces are using facial recognition technology, raising concerns about civil liberties and privacy. The UK government is even planning to use AI to help police catch criminals before they strike.
But here's the kicker: While Pratt acknowledges the potential of AI, he doesn't endorse the idea of trial by AI. He strongly believes in the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
What do you think? Do you agree with Pratt's stance on AI and justice? Is the use of AI in law enforcement a step forward, or a potential threat to our rights? Share your thoughts in the comments!
As for Pratt's future, there's speculation about his return as Star-Lord in Avengers: Doomsday. While he remains tight-lipped, he's clearly eager to reprise the role, stating he is "only a phone call away."
Mercy hits UK cinemas on January 23rd.
