This gritty New York thriller, based on the bestselling novel of the same name, features the adventures of undercover NYPD cop Willy Diaz. When an old friend is savagely murdered in Washington Square, Diaz sets out to solve the crime and avenge his friend's death. Along the way he reluctantly accepts the assistance of Esme Pinyero a beautiful investigative reporter and mutual friend of the murdered man. The two investigators swiftly determine that a serial killer is stalking New York, recreating brutal murders of days past. The tough, intrepid and street-smart Diaz, nevertheless uses his wits and not violence to solve crimes. Willy Diaz represents the first Latin-American (Puerto Rican) hero in a main stream movie series. The film stars JC Hernandez (High Crimes, Against the Ropes, and Carlito's Way) as Willy Diaz, and Andre Royo (Shaft and HBO's award winning, The Wire), with a cameo by veteran film actor John Saxon and introduces new Brazillian actress Guenia Lemos. Rider McDowell makes his feature film directorial debut with The Mercy Man.
—Rider McDowell