My Days of Mercy

Greetings again from the darkness. There have been some fine movies centered on death row. These include: THE GREEN MILE (1999), DEAD MAN WALKING (1995), THE LIFE OF DAVID GALE (2003), and TRUE CRIME (1999). The only one I can remember that even comes close to also being a love story is MONSTER'S BALL (2001), and if you've seen it, you would likely agree that it's not exactly a warm and fuzzy story of romance. With this latest, however, Israeli director Tali Shalom-Ezer and British writer Joe Barton combine for a romantic story where death row plays a vital part.

Ellen Page stars as Lucy. She travels around the country in a well-worn motorhome with her older sister Martha (Amy Seimetz, UPSTREAM COLOR) and their little brother Benjamin (Charlie Shotwell, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC), as they partake in the anti-death penalty demonstrations outside the prison gates as the next execution takes place. Across the parking lot, the pro-death penalty side hold their own signs and keep their own vigil. Lucy's eyes lock on those of a striking young woman from the other side. When they meet, the ironically named Mercy (Kate Mara) aggressively flirts with the shy and confused Lucy, and the two sneak out for drinks at a bar.

Soon Lucy is anxiously awaiting the next protest so that she can meet up with Mercy. The sexual tension builds as they get to know each other, and their awkward friendship turns romantic. Their activism for different sides of an important topic doesn't have any negative impact on their attraction to each other. Each woman has been personally affected by the death penalty, and as viewers we struggle with the idea that these two lovebirds part each time with what amounts to 'see you at the next execution!'

Elias Koteas (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, 1990) plays Lucy's death row dad, and Brian Geraghty (THE HURT LOCKER) plays the attorney who is simultaneously working on his case and on Lucy's sister Martha. The acting here is top notch as Kate Mara balances the two sides of Mercy, and Ellen Page flashes her familiar JUNO snark - albeit with the heft of a wisened adult. Ms. Seimetz adds to her list of always-interesting characters, and has a couple of truly outstanding scenes.

Blending love and the death penalty makes for an unusual combination, and we do understand that folks choose their side based on personal belief and circumstances. For the film, the death penalty issue is a bit of a distraction to the story of these two people, though it's admirable that Mr. Barton chose to give them a personal stake in two different cases, rather than the same - which we would expect in a lesser movie. The use of "last meals" is quite creative, as we see the actual food, as well as the name of the inmate, the crime, and the prison.

The fallout from executions is widespread. Perhaps no one wants a narrative film focused entirely on such a depressing and divisive topic. We do ask ourselves if a romantic relationship is even possible for two who are diametrically opposed on such an emotional topic. It's an ending that lets no one off the hook easily. Life is hard. So is death. Make your choices wisely.

The actors did an excellent job. This is a story that, as far as the romance goes, could happen to anyone. Full of emotion.

Anything with Ellen Page in it is worth a watch, this movie included. She absolutely nails it. I like that this movie is not a remake of anything or based on any books.. It's an original idea and an interesting one too and not one you'd have seen before. The 2 main characters have a good chemistry and are generally sweet together, even though a maybe slightly funny match. I guess some people might find this film boring but I think it's definitely worth a watch.

Once in a while we get a movie like this. No need for visual trickery no fancy over the top set pieces. Just two outstanding actresses and a good script. To get the nitpick out of the way the movie drags a little even though it is pretty short. That being said everything else is outstanding. It again without doing much shows you how cruel death penalty is like this is news. In 2019 even a flatearther has a stronger argument than a death penalty supporter. And even though the USA is the last democratic country to have it it is thankfully just a matter of time until it is gone. Mara and page are outstanding in every scene. They do so much with so little. Page as always is so believable. You can feel what she feels at any given second. I am not surprised this didn't get a wide release. Movies like this have a hard time. But we need so much more of this. So much more about movies that make you think about them even days later.

No this wasn't a perfect movie. The screenplay was a bit cheesy and sometimes the words seemed crammed in to make a point or more plainly to force an emotional moment, however,that does not take away the fact that it's a good story,and the acting. while not perfect, is damn good. Ellen page is a tour de force and Kate Mara plays a difficult role with ease and charm. Even without the whole lesbian element this is a good film just on the merits of the acting and story. Yes I would define this as an "indie" film, but don't let that keep you from watching, it's a damn good indie film.