Movie Review: Mercy (2016)

The movie stars James Wolk, Tom Lipinski, Caitlin FitzGerald, Mike Donovan and Dion Graham.

My wife and I have been striking out a bit recently when it comes to finding a good horror film or thriller on Netflix, usually finding films that are OK until the ending ruins them. Despite this, we decided to give this movie a chance last night. And, as it turns out, we struck out again.

Quite honestly, I really had a difficult time getting into this film last night. On the surface, it looked like it would be a good film, with a group of people looking to kill everyone in the house combined with the mistrust the brothers were showing toward each other and their mother's new husband. Instead, it wound up being kind of dull in my opinion.

I think a large part of the reason for this is the movie is very predictable. I was able to correctly guess what the doctor (Graham) was really referring to when he said the device he delivered would end their sick mother's (Constance Barron) and, when the masked invaders are revealed to be members of her church, it only confirmed my suspicions and ruined what was supposed to be the big surprise twist at the end.

Another thing that wasn't helping was the fact none of the "victims" inside the house were particularly likable. It was obvious none of them really cared about their mother and were only worried about who would get her money. That, combined with their attackers being the only ones who cared about her suffering, made it hard to care if any of them got killed. It's hard to be on the edge of your seat when you are rooting for the killers.

In fact, I couldn't even let the girlfriend (FitzGerald) be an exception to the above since the movie never really explains why she is there. Part of me wanted to believe she was an innocent victim. But, because she lacks a real backstory and personality, I'm not convinced she wasn't there for the money too.

Also, maybe this is just me, but I found it was very difficult to keep track of which brother was which. Granted, it ultimately didn't really matter. But, I did find myself a little confused at times as a result of that. I mostly blame it on my overall lack of interest. However, I do think the movie could have done a little better job of giving them memorable characteristics so it wouldn't have been as difficult.

I had hoped this movie would end our recent losing streak. But, unfortunately, it turned out to be worse than many of the other films we've watched. I would recommend avoiding it.

My Grade: F