Plot: What’s it about?
Catherine Palmer (Ellen Barkin) is a homicide detective who isn’t the typical police officer, she’s just as dark as the suspects she chases, she just stays on the correct side of the law. In the midst of a murder investigation, Palmer soon finds herself locked in the middle of a full blown serial killer case, when beautiful women keep turning up dead. The women are killed during a sexual escapade, S&M to be exact, and before the killer leaves, the victim’s eyelids are cut off. As she probes into the case, Palmer discovers Vickie (Peta Wilson) a young woman who was intimate with many of the victims before they died. While Palmer talks with Vickie, she learns of a sisterhood of sorts, a large group of women, some prominent, who gather together to enjoy the benefits of girl on girl sex, with a liberal dose of pain tossed in the mix. While Vickie seems like the main suspect, there’s also Dominick (Julian Sands), who served as therapist to some of the victims, and there’s just something about the guy that makes you wonder. Can Palmer solve the case before another victim is led to the slaughter, perhaps even herself?
While there seems to be a new serial killer thriller every weekend, very few of them turn out to be worth watching. As such, when this release arrived at my home, I was somewhat skeptical about the film and how good it would be. Now, I like a good serial killer flick even more than the next guy, but they’re not so easy to find. After viewing the film, I can say Mercy is one of the better serial killer films, though not in the elite status of movies such as The Silence Of The Lambs. The storyline is pretty out there, but the script brings it all together well enough to pull the whole thing off. This is a sexually charged serial killer, so there’s more than a little flesh to be seen, though much of it is seen on dead bodies. Even so, those who are offended by a little female grace will want to shy away from this release. One of the reasons this film worked for me was how the dark the movie is, there’s always some strange stuff going on, even with our “hero” character. This gives the film a realism I liked, and as such I’ll watch the film again in the future. Is this for everyone? I don’t think so, but those interested in an above average serial killer thriller will want to check this one out for sure.
This film was written for the screen and directed by Damian Harris, who has a couple other films though I am not familiar with them. Given his relative inexperience, Harris turns in a terrific effort here, and charges this movie with suspense and style. I look forward to future projects from Harris, especially if they’re based on darker material such as this work. This film has three leading performers, though I feel one of them is given the true lead. That performer is Ellen Barkin, who I was not sure had the ability to carry a movie on her shoulders. But Barkin (Drop Dead Gorgeous, The Fan) has the perfect persona to carry off this role, and she does a fine job here of balancing the film. The other leads are played by Julian Sands (Warlock, Leaving Las Vegas) and Peta Wilson (Naked Jane, The Sadness Of Sex), both of whom turn in solid performances. Wilson is best known for her work on the television series La Femme Nikita, and she looks just as good here as she does there. The supporting cast in this film also includes Stephen Baldwin (8 Second, Bio-Dome), Karen Young (Daylight, Joe The King), and Wendy Crewson (Air Force One, Better Than Chocolate).
Video: How does it look?
Mercy is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with a full frame version included on the flip side of the disc. This is another top notch transfer from Columbia, a much better visual presentation than I expected from such a low profile film. The colors look bright and bold with no hints of discoloration, and flesh tones are natural at all times as well. The contrast comes through well also, with high visible detail level and distinct shadow separation. I didn’t notice any compression errors here, and the source print is clean and free from all but minor flecks.
Audio: How does it sound?
This releases uses a 2.0 surround track, and I have to admit the audio sounds a lot better than I expected it to. The surrounds are used often and well, and a great atmosphere is created for the film. While the surround activity is sometimes very subtle, it always manages to enhance the experience, not distract you from the film. The music has a deep and rich texture as well, and is placed well within the mix. The dialogue isn’t lost in this track either, with all the vocals sounding loud and clear. No volume issues, no separation troubles, a very good track.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release contains the theatrical trailer for this film, as well as a bonus trailer for Body Double. Talent files for the director and the lead performers are also found in the bonus materials.
