My Days of Mercy

My Days of Mercy is a compelling, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged drama released in 2017. The film is directed by Tali Shalom-Ezer and stars Elliot Page, renowned for roles in films such as Juno and Inception. Alongside Page, the film also stars Kate Mara, known for her roles in notable productions such as House of Cards and American Horror Story. In supporting roles, Amy Seimetz, Brian Geraghty, and Charlie Shotwell add to the commendable performances of the lead actors, creating a formidable ensemble cast.

Set against the backdrop of a heated socio-political issue, My Days of Mercy explores the intersecting themes of love, family, forgiveness, and justice. Fellow protesters Lucy (Elliot Page) and Mercy (Kate Mara) originate from two sharply contrasting backgrounds—Lucy is opposing the death penalty, as her father is on death row, while Mercy supports it. Their unlikely meeting sparks a connection, leading to an unconventional and intense romance that thrives in the midst of contrasting beliefs and ideological disagreements. As they navigate the tumultuous terrain of their starkly different political beliefs, they discover depths of feelings and emotions that challenge their thoughts and initiate personal reflections.

Lucy's character, played by Elliot Page, is uniquely layered. Page adroitly portrays a young woman grappling with the emotional weight of her father's looming fate, while also unearthing strong feelings for Mercy. Lucy, along with her older sister (Amy Seimetz) and younger brother (Charlie Shotwell), is struggling to prove their father's innocence before time runs out.

Kate Mara, on the other hand, plays the role of Mercy, a woman from an affluent background who initially appears unflappable in her stand for capital punishment. However, as the narrative unfolds, Mara convincingly infuses her character with vulnerability and emotion, effectively depicting the internal struggle Mercy faces when confronted with the human cost of her convictions.

The screenplay by Joe Barton weaves the intimate, personal narrative of Lucy and Mercy's relationship with the broader socio-political confrontation on the death penalty. The film employs this controversial issue as a pointed metaphor, skillfully juxtaposing polarising ideological beliefs with the exploration of an evolving relationship.

Director Tali Shalom-Ezer's sensitive handling of the subject matter ensures the movie is not overly preachy. Instead, the film offers an empathetic perspective on both sides of the capital punishment debate, leaning on powerful performances from its talent to highlight the human element of this divisive issue.

My Days of Mercy also addresses themes of identity, self-discovery and liberation. The queer relationship between the two main characters is handled with dignity and authenticity, without compromising on visibility and representation. The film refrains from using their romance as mere wrinkle to the plot, but rather a crucial narrative itself, thereby challenging stereotypes while presenting a beautiful, heartfelt story.

Shalom-Ezer's mastery over the cinematic language is on full display in My Days of Mercy. He achieves a perfect balance with nuanced storytelling, intimate character development, and thought-provoking dialogue. The cinematography complements the storytelling by capturing the varying moods and emotions throughout the film, ensuring the audience remains captivated by the soul-stirring narrative.

This movie will inevitably provoke introspection in the viewer, pushing them to consider the multifaceted aspects of love and acceptance, right and wrong, truth and justice. Even though the movie revolves around the death penalty, it is as much a love story as it is a socio-political commentary.

Those looking for a film that boasts a thoughtfully constructed narrative, superb performances, and emotional resonance should look no further than My Days of Mercy. The film leaves an indelible impression with its potent social message alongside its depiction of an intimate, affectionate relationship amidst adversity. With its gripping storyline and standout performances, My Days of Mercy offers a viewing experience that is both heartrending and rewarding.