Only Mercy (Film)

Just Mercy (English: Just Mercy) is an American film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, featuring biographical and dramatic elements. The production, scripted by Andrew Lanham and Destin Daniel Cretton, is adapted from Bryan Stevenson’s book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, which recounts his true story. The lead roles are played by Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, and Brie Larson. The film was first released on 29 December 2019.

Plot

The film centers on young lawyer Bryan Stevenson’s legal battle to defend inmates in Alabama who were wrongly sentenced to death. After graduating from Harvard University, Stevenson chooses to move to Alabama to fight injustice rather than pursue lucrative work. One of his first cases involves Walter McMillian, an 18-year-old who was sentenced to death in 1987 despite insufficient evidence for the murder of a young woman. Alongside local advocate Eva Ansley, Stevenson works to prove McMillian’s innocence. Throughout the legal proceedings, Stevenson confronts systemic racism and judicial inequality.

Themes

The film examines inequality within the justice system and the impact of racial bias on legal proceedings. It explores the legal and ethical consequences of punishing innocent individuals despite lack of evidence. The influence of political and social structures, particularly on Black individuals, is questioned alongside the notion of judicial impartiality. The film also addresses themes such as the pursuit of justice, conscience, solidarity, and legal advocacy.

Cast and Characters

• Michael B. Jordan – Bryan Stevenson
• Jamie Foxx – Walter McMillian
• Brie Larson – Eva Ansley
• Rob Morgan – Herbert Richardson
• Tim Blake Nelson – Ralph Myers
• Rafe Spall – Tommy Chapman
• O’Shea Jackson Jr. – Anthony Ray Hinton
• Karan Kendrick – Minnie McMillan

Awards and Nominations

The film has won a total of nine awards and received 19 nominations across various categories.

BET Awards (2020)

• Best Film – Nominated

Image Awards (NAACP) (2020)

• Outstanding Actor – Winner: Michael B. Jordan
• Outstanding Supporting Actor – Winner: Jamie Foxx
• Outstanding Motion Picture – Winner
• Outstanding Writing – Nominated: Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham
• Outstanding Breakthrough Performance – Nominated: Rob Morgan

National Board of Review (2019)

• Freedom of Expression Award – Winner

Palm Springs International Film Festival (2020)

• Spotlight Award – Winner: Jamie Foxx

Screen Actors Guild Awards (2020)

• Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role – Nominated: Jamie Foxx

St. Louis International Film Festival (2019)

• Audience Choice – Best Film – Winner

Mill Valley Film Festival (2019)

• Audience Award – Favorite Film – Winner

Virginia Film Festival (2019)

• Audience Award – Best Narrative Film – Winner

Golden Trailer Awards (2021)

• Best Drama Trailer – Nominated

Black Reel Awards (2020)

• Outstanding Supporting Actor – Nominated: Jamie Foxx
• Outstanding Film – Nominated: Asher Goldstein, Gil Netter
• Outstanding Ensemble – Nominated: Carmen Cuba

Cinema for Peace Awards (2020)

• Justice Award – Nominated

Indiana Film Journalists Association (2019)

• Best Actor – Nominated: Michael B. Jordan
• Best Supporting Actor – Nominated: Jamie Foxx, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson

AAFCA – African-American Film Critics Association (2019)

• Best Supporting Actor – Winner: Jamie Foxx
• Best Film – 3rd Place

Georgia Film Critics Association (2020)

• Georgia Excellence in Cinema Award – Nominated

AARP Movies for Grownups Awards (2020)

• Best Supporting Actor – Nominated: Jamie Foxx
• Best Buddy Picture – Nominated

Odyssey Awards (2020)

• Best Supporting Actor – Nominated: Jamie Foxx

Box Office

Just Mercy was produced with a budget of approximately $25 million. Its total gross revenue in the United States and Canada amounted to $36,001,502, while its worldwide box office earnings reached $50,901,502. During its opening weekend in the United States and Canada on 29 December 2019, the film earned $107,858.