Chris Pratt’s ‘Mercy’ Hits Digital Platforms Just 25 Days After Theatrical Debut
Fast-Track to Fiber: Chris Pratt’s ‘Mercy’ Hits Digital Platforms Just 25 Days After Theatrical Debut
LOS ANGELES — The "theatrical window" is looking more like a porthole for Amazon MGM Studios' latest sci-fi venture. Mercy, the high-concept thriller starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, has officially landed on digital storefronts today—marking a lightning-fast 25-day turnaround from its January 23 cinema release.
The move to Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) comes as the film struggles to gain traction at the global box office. Despite its star-studded lead and a prime IMAX release, the "real-time" legal drama has grossed a modest $53 million worldwide against a reported $60 million production budget.
Guilty in the Court of Public Opinion?
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted), Mercy follows Detective Chris Raven (Pratt), who is accused of murdering his wife and must prove his innocence to an advanced AI judge (Ferguson) in just 90 minutes.
While the film's premise promised a high-stakes "ticking clock" experience, critics have been less than merciful. The film currently sits at a "rotten" 24% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers criticizing the "screenlife" approach that keeps Pratt physically restrained in a chair for nearly the entire 100-minute runtime.
“Watching a popular actor stare at a screen for 90 minutes isn't cinema; it’s an IT support call with a higher budget,” noted one scathing review from MovieWeb.
The Audience Divide
Interestingly, the film has found a much warmer reception with general moviegoers. The "Popcornmeter" tells a different story, boasting an impressive 83% audience score. Fans have praised the film as a "Pratt-tastic" whodunit, highlighting the chemistry between Pratt and his partner (played by True Detective’s Kali Reis).
Industry analysts suggest that Amazon MGM’s decision to move the film to digital so quickly is a strategic pivot to capture this positive audience word-of-mouth. By making the film available to rent for $19.99 or purchase for $24.99 while the marketing campaign is still fresh, the studio hopes to recoup its investment through the "home theater" crowd.
The Streaming Roadmap
For those waiting to watch Mercy as part of their standard subscription, the wait will be slightly longer. While it is now available for individual purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango, it isn't expected to join the Prime Video streaming library for all members until early April 2026.
The rapid transition is becoming a hallmark of the post-merger Amazon MGM strategy: give major titles a meaningful IMAX and 3D theatrical push to build brand prestige, then move aggressively into the digital market once the initial box office momentum wanes.
As Mercy begins its second life on digital charts, the industry is watching closely to see if Chris Pratt’s star power is enough to turn a theatrical "flop" into a streaming sensation.
