Just Mercy is an American biographical drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The screenplay, written by Andrew Lanham and Destin Daniel Cretton, is adapted from the book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson, which recounts his real-life experiences. The leading roles are played by Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, and Brie Larson. The film was first released on December 29, 2019.
Plot
The film follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his legal fight to defend inmates on death row in Alabama who were wrongly convicted. After graduating from Harvard University, Stevenson chooses not to pursue lucrative jobs but instead travels to Alabama to confront injustice. One of his first cases is that of Walter McMillian, who was sentenced to death in 1987 for the murder of an 18-year-old girl despite insufficient evidence. With the help of local advocate Eva Ansley, Stevenson works to prove McMillian's innocence. Throughout the legal battle, Stevenson faces systemic racism and judicial injustice.
Just Mercy Official Trailer (Warner Bros)
Themes
The film addresses inequality within the justice system and the impact of racial bias on legal proceedings. It raises questions about the ethical and legal consequences of sentencing innocent individuals despite a lack of evidence. Broader political and social structures, especially in their impact on Black individuals, are examined alongside the impartiality of the judiciary. Themes of justice, conscience, solidarity, and legal resistance are central to the narrative.
Cast and Characters
- Michael B. Jordan as Bryan Stevenson
- Jamie Foxx as Walter McMillian
- Brie Larson as Eva Ansley
- Rob Morgan as Herbert Richardson
- Tim Blake Nelson as Ralph Myers
- Rafe Spall as Tommy Chapman
- O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Anthony Ray Hinton
- Karan Kendrick as Minnie McMillan
Awards and Nominations
The film received 9 awards and was nominated in 19 different categories.
BET Awards (2020)
- Best Movie – Nominee
Image Awards (NAACP) (2020)
- Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture – Winner: Michael B. Jordan
- Outstanding Supporting Actor – Winner: Jamie Foxx
- Outstanding Motion Picture – Winner
- Outstanding Writing – Nominee: Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham
- Outstanding Breakthrough Performance – Nominee: Rob Morgan
National Board of Review (2019)
- Freedom of Expression Award – Winner
Palm Springs Film Festival (2020)
- Spotlight Award (Actor) – Winner: Jamie Foxx
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2020)
- Outstanding Supporting Actor – Nominee: Jamie Foxx
St. Louis International Film Festival (2019)
- Audience Choice – Best Film – Winner
Mill Valley Film Festival (2019)
- Audience Award – Overall Favorite – Winner
Virginia Film Festival (2019)
- Audience Award – Best Narrative Feature – Winner
Golden Trailer Awards (2021)
- Best Drama Trailer – Nominee
Black Reel Awards (2020)
- Outstanding Supporting Actor – Nominee: Jamie Foxx
- Outstanding Motion Picture – Nominee: Asher Goldstein, Gil Netter
- Best Ensemble – Nominee: Carmen Cuba
Cinema for Peace Awards (2020)
- Justice Award – Nominee
Indiana Film Journalists Association (2019)
- Best Actor – Nominee: Michael B. Jordan
- Best Supporting Actor – Nominee: Jamie Foxx, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson
AAFCA – African-American Film Critics Association (2019)
- Best Supporting Actor – Winner: Jamie Foxx
- Top Ten Films – Ranked 3rd
Georgia Film Critics Association (2020)
- Excellence in Georgia Cinema – Nominee
AARP Movies for Grownups Awards (2020)
- Best Supporting Actor – Nominee: Jamie Foxx
- Best Buddy Picture – Nominee
Odyssey Awards (2020)
- Best Supporting Actor – Nominee: Jamie Foxx
Box Office
Just Mercy was produced on a budget of approximately $25 million. It grossed $36,001,502 in the United States and Canada, with a worldwide total of $50,901,502. During its opening weekend (December 29, 2019), it earned $107,858 in the U.S. and Canada.
