Many films are memorable, for better or for worse. Some are grand spectacles that leave a lasting emotional impact on the viewer. Some are glorious trainwrecks that become the butt of jokes for eternity. The Mercy doesn’t fall on either end of the spectrum. The performances are adequate. The story moves along nicely. But the movie doesn’t pack any real punch.
The movie, set in 1968 England, centers around salesman and amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst (Colin Firth). He’s inspired by noted navigator Sir Francis Chichester (Simon McBurney) to compete in the Golden Globe Race, an around-the-world yacht race. Whoever finishes first receives a substantial cash prize. Crowhurst would be leaving behind his wife Clare (Rachel Weisz), his family, and his job.
Despite being a novice sailor, Crowhurst is confident he can succeed given his technical trickery and perseverance. Problems arise (getting someone to sponsor him proves a difficult task). Crowhurst sets off. You see him on his boat struggling with the race, and then you see his family dealing with his absence. The film does well to intersperse these two, but the film is lacking.
You know Firth’s character has a financial gain, but that isn’t truly explored. There is a lack of depth to his character, as you don’t really ever know the truth about why he went on his voyage. David Thewlis (known to the Gen Z crowd as Big Mouth’s Shame Wizard) has a great part as Rodney Hallworth, Crowhurst’s press agent who promotes his trip. But Weisz as Clare feels lacking. She’s given almost nothing to do for the film’s runtime. There is a good film somewhere here, but director James Marsh doesn’t know how to tell it. Not recommended for public library shelves.
Discover more titles for your film collection in our list of drama movies.