Film Review: The Mercy (2018)

Rating: 7/10
Genre: Drama/Biography
Related Titles: Deep Water, Crowhurst, Sanctum
By Leanne Harragan

Based on the true story of amateur yachtsman Donald Crowhurst taking on the 1968 Golden Globe Race.

If you are looking for a easy to watch film then you have come to the wrong place, it's dark and brutal pretty much from start to finish. What makes this film a success is the strong cast. Colin Firth yet again reprises a role that he has perfected over time, a British family man with strong reserve and a stuff upper lip. His co-star Rachel Weisz is similarly powerful as the wife who has to struggle without the support of her husband and the final scene where she has to defend her husbands decisions is a powerful and that's when the real sadness of the film hits home. 

I gave this film a seven because despite the story being interesting and gripping, not a huge amount happened. The film is carried by Firth because of the amount of scenes about Crowhurst's struggle on the solo trip around the world. The film looks good and you can see that the budget has been spent well. The score is also good and works to tie the film together. 

I think overall this is a great British film with a good Brit cast too, well worthy of a watch. 


Rating: 7/10
By Rebecca Mannick

This heartbreaking story is beautifully portrayed by both leading actors Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz. As Donald Crowhurst (Colin Firth) an amateur sailor embarks on a non-stop round-the-world trip it soon becomes clear that maybe he had bit off more than he can chew. The financial disrepair and strain on his family are two of the main issues Crowhurst comes head to head with. 

It is an astonishing true story is hopeful, exciting and dark. It is was very well executed and mainly held together by the acting. Every bit of emotional strain was apparent and as the audience you could really feel the tension of the situation.

I really enjoyed Clare Crowhurst's (Rachel Weisz) character. She was so much more than a stereotypical 1960's 'stay at home mother'. It was most apparent towards the end of the film when she was speaking to the press. This isn't necessary an easy watch but it is fairly gripping and worth a watch.