My Days of Mercy – A Fine and Well-Acted Indie Movie

My Days of Mercy tells the story of Lucy (Page), a young woman who experienced tragedy in her life at a young age: the brutal murder of her mother that left her father Simon (Elias Koteas) on death row for the crime. However, she and her siblings, Martha (Seimetz) and Benjamin (Charlie Shotwell), are adamant about his innocence. They take part in rallies against the death penalty and one of these events was where Lucy met Mercy (Mara), a lawyer who was on the other side of the issue after her father’s partner was murdered while they were in service. As a result, she was a big supporter of the death penalty.

These two women, polar opposites of one another, eventually strike a bond that slowly becomes a relationship. But Mercy was not completely forthcoming with Lucy about herself, as the truth about her own story threatened the future of their relationship. The most interesting aspect of My Days of Mercy was how it delves into the lives of the people who are touched by tragedy. How does one go on in life while knowing that one’s own father could have killed their mother? How does someone deal with that and the baggage that comes with it? Lucy found herself in that position at the beginning of the story, suffering from a deep wound and from plenty of uncertainty. Meanwhile, she lived a shallow existence while struggling to stay afloat. Mercy’s arrival in Lucy’s life felt like a breath of fresh air as we see her finally blossoming and becoming a more realized person.

Page does wonders with the role, especially because she doesn’t just mutate Lucy into someone completely different after love strikes. She’s still herself, still weird and reserved. But more open at the same time. Even her posture changes. At the same time, Mara is a fantastic co-lead, charming her way into Lucy’s heart but keeping Mercy grounded. The two actresses play off each other so well, their chemistry is undeniable. That chemistry is one of the best parts of My Days of Mercy, elevating the story. These women in the end, who are on opposite sides of the fight, still relate to and respect one another. In times like these, it is especially hopeful to see this message of tolerance being played out on screen. Another standout in the film had to be Seimetz as Martha. As the older sister, the one who cannot grasp the idea her father might have actually murdered her mother, she gives her character such a level of sadness and fragility. Viewers could plainly sense how the possibility that her father’s guilt would completely destroy her. It’s quite heartbreaking to see her need to believe his innocence.

At the end of the day. My Days of Mercy is a good film but it isn’t perfect. The film occasionally drags and its ambition never transcends that of a ‘good indie movie’ vibe. It’s a good indie movie but not an extraordinary one. While its cast certainly makes it better as they bring gravitas to the story, the film could have been greater if not for a better script.

still courtesy of TIFF

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