Love and Betrayal in a Timeless Struggle

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Know Mercy
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Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): Perdell Richardson
Writer(s): Perdell Richardson, Sayrie, Ella Thomas
Cast: Xavier Avila, Ella Thomas, Donald Fullilove, Aniya Williams, Paul L. Davis, Juhahn Jones
Where To Watch: opening on digital platforms February 18, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: In the landscape of cinema, certain films challenge our perceptions and invite us to ponder life's deeper questions. KNOW MERCY is one such film offering a narrative that intertwines the timeless allure of immortality with the raw emotions of love and betrayal. It's a cinematic experience that beckons viewers to reflect on the ethical dilemmas faced by its characters while delivering a story that's both engaging and thought-provoking. While a dose of religious allegory is thrown in, it’s never so much that it's overbearing. Ultimately, the film feels like something I would have watched in the more progressive teen Sunday School group I was in as a kid.

At the heart of this tale is Hanokh (Xavier Avila,) an immortal soul who has roamed the Earth for countless generations. His journey is marked by an insatiable curiosity about the nature of his undying existence. This quest takes a dramatic turn when he crosses paths with a terminally ill scientist. Driven by desperation, the scientist fixates on Hanokh, believing that unlocking the secrets of immortality could be his salvation. This obsession jeopardizes Hanokh's safety and threatens a newfound love that has brought warmth to his otherwise endless life. As tensions rise, Hanokh must navigate a world where trust is scarce, and the line between ally and adversary blurs.

The film's pacing allows audiences to delve deep into Hanokh's struggles and external hurdles. While this measured approach provides depth, some viewers might find the tempo slightly slow, potentially affecting their engagement. The cinematography captures the essence of Hanokh's timeless journey, juxtaposed against the urgency of the scientist's pursuit. Each frame is thoughtfully composed, enhancing the narrative's emotional and philosophical layers. The film, without question, feels some of the indie budgetary constraints.

The screenplay, a collaborative effort by Perdell Richardson, Sayrie, and Ella Thomas, carefully handles its philosophical and religious undertones. The dialogue challenges viewers to reflect on moral questions, though it occasionally leans heavily into exposition, which might detract from the storytelling's subtlety.

KNOW MERCY has made a notable impact on the film festival circuit. It won the Grand Prize for Best Picture at the Culver City Film Festival and was nominated for the Audience Award at the Cleveland Urban Film Festival. Additionally, it has been honored with the ReFrame Stamp, which highlights its commitment to gender-balanced hiring practices within the industry.

As KNOW MERCY becomes available on digital platforms, viewers will engage with a story that transcends cookie-cutter sci-fi thrillers. The film delves into themes of power, sacrifice, and the pursuit of something greater than oneself. It's a narrative prospection that prompts audiences to consider their beliefs about life, death, and the ethical implications of seeking knowledge and power.

KNOW MERCY stands as a testament to the art of storytelling. By blending science fiction and drama elements, it explores themes that resonate with the human experience. Its compelling narrative, performances, and thought-provoking themes make it a film that lingers in the mind.

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[photo courtesy of GRAVITAS VENTURES]

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