Mercy

I went into this with a great deal of trepidation, as I do every Stephen King adaptation, only to find it wasn't one of the better ones. I was actually quite excited when I found out the short story "Gramma" was being made into a film as it is one of my favourites and genuinely creepy. I now think it should have been left well alone. The acting was okay in the main but I think it fell down when it was stretched into movie length. It definitely, for me, lacked the suspense and atmosphere of the original story. Even watching as someone who had never read the story, I wouldn't have found it scary or tense at all. As I said, the acting was okay, but the kid from The Walking Dead (sorry, his name escapes me) seemed a bit flat considering all that was happening and I was very disappointed in Dylan McDermott, who seemed to be there to get through filming and pick up his paycheck. There is a certain character who appears at the end who is quite honestly laughable (I think you'll know who I mean if you get there). Now for the positives..ehm...there was a cute dog and...the basic concept was a bit different. I hate leaving this review as I am a huge fan of King's books and there have been some great adaptations like Christine, Carrie, Shawshank, Cujo, The Green Mile and The Mist etc. Unfortunately, this is more along the lines of The Tommyknockers or Needful Things. I really think King should just hand his work over to Frank Darabont and step back so we can enjoy watching his wonderful characters come truly to life on the big screen.

This wasn't scary. Maybe for the younger crowds it might have been but not for someone who is looking for a true horror scare. It would be nice if someone could bring something new to the table.

If I had read the reviews on IMDb before watching the film, I probably would have expected much worse than what I got. It is not good enough for main screen release or for any Top 100 lists, but contrary to most of the reviews I have seen here, I actually did find the movie quite watchable - I have seen MUCH WORSE with much better ratings. The story runs at a steady pace and I never found myself distracted or watching the clock. I probably would not have been happy if I had to pay at a cinema to watch this, but as an online release, I was more than satisfied with the film's 1970's feel and subtle dramatic undertones. I can't really say that I ever felt scared as such, but though the film does play out like a horror version of a Hallmark Movie, it definitely did have a sinister creepy quality. In all, the production value was worthy of a straight to internet release. I did not expect more. I think a lot of bad reviews can be attributed that people expect much more and then feel disappointed that they did not get it. When such a short piece if prose gets adapted for screen, we can hardly expect The Shining. Maybe it helped that I did not read the short story before seeing the film. Maybe I just sometimes enjoy to watch something uncomplicated by weaves of b and c story lines. Be it what it may…I found this far more enjoyable than many other horror flicks that has made it into mainstream release.

When news of this film first hit the media, the ensemble cast, featuring Frances O'Connor, Shirley Knight, Chandler Riggs, Joel Courtney, Dylan McDermott, and Mark Duplass, generated a level of hype among King fans that perhaps exceeded its actual merit.

Speaking personally, I'm a tremendous admirer of both Dylan McDermott and Frances O'Connor, but it was Chandler Riggs who truly ignited the anticipation for this film. Aside from his prominent role in the cult phenomenon "The Walking Dead," his career had its roots in indie horror films like "Jesus H. Zombie."

The screenplay is the work of Matt Greenberg, whose path has crossed with Stephen King's on multiple occasions, both before ("1408") and after ("Pet Sematary") this particular project.

"Mercy" is a decent horror film that will likely satisfy even those unfamiliar with the source material, the short story "Gramma." While it's not a masterpiece, it never aspires to be one. It delivers a solid dose of chills and thrills, with a few genuinely unsettling moments that will linger in the viewer's mind.

The film's strength lies in its performances, particularly Shirley Knight's portrayal of the titular Mercy, a grandmother with a dark secret. Knight's performance is both captivating and chilling, capturing the duality of a seemingly benevolent figure harboring a sinister power. Frances O'Connor, as the single mother struggling to care for her ailing mother and two sons, delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance, conveying the character's strength and vulnerability in equal measure.

Chandler Riggs, as the eldest son George, effectively portrays the conflicted emotions of a young boy torn between his love for his grandmother and his growing suspicion of her true nature. Joel Courtney, as the younger son Buddy, provides a sense of innocence and wonder amidst the encroaching darkness.

The film's atmosphere is suitably eerie, with its dimly lit interiors and ominous soundscapes creating a sense of unease and foreboding. The special effects, while not groundbreaking, are effectively employed to enhance the film's supernatural elements.

"Mercy" is a solid entry in the ever-expanding Stephen King cinematic universe. While it may not rank among the most iconic adaptations, it's a well-crafted and entertaining horror film that will satisfy fans of the genre and leave them with a lingering sense of unease.

An elderly woman named Mercy (Shirley Knight) is slipping away at her advanced age. She was a single mother of three as her husband killed himself while her children were young. Now, in her old age, she's become more violent and like a person in need of an exorcism. While everyone wants to get clear away from her, George (Chandler Riggs), her favorite grandchild, wants to help her.

This movie was O.K. They didn't do anything real inventive or creative. It seemed low budget from the special effects which doesn't necessarily kill a movie but it can hinder it severely if not done correctly. The movie hinged upon Chandler Riggs as he was the main protagonist but I don't think he delivered that well. He wasn't awful, he just wasn't good. I think he's better suited for helping his father kill zombies (for you Walking Dead fans out there). In the end the movie was just an average or even slightly below average horror film.