Mercy

Mercy

Year: 2023

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Emma Dante

Drama

In a desolate coastal wasteland, three prostitutes find solace caring for Arturo, a young man with a developmental disability. They live amongst a community of outcasts struggling with poverty, ignorance, and violence. Arturo's mother died giving birth, and the women took him in as an infant, providing him with care and companionship in a harsh and unforgiving world. The film explores his uncertain future within this challenging environment.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Mercy yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Mercy (2023)

Trace every key event in Mercy (2023) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Michelle's past tragedy

Two years ago, Michelle Miller's husband Jeffrey died in a bomb explosion in Afghanistan. His death in front of her shapes her into a dedicated casualty surgeon at Mercy Hospital. She now raises her son Bobby while carrying the weight of that loss.

Two years ago Afghanistan
2

Ryan Quinn arrested

Present-day FBI agents McBride and Ellis arrest Ryan Quinn, a member of the Quinn Gang Brotherhood. Ryan's family—his brother Sean and father Paddy—are implicated in a long string of crimes across the United States. The arrest sets off a violent chain of events as the family responds.

Present day United States
3

Ambush on the convoy

Sean and his henchmen ambush the convoy transporting Ryan, killing most of the agents and wounding McBride. Sean shoots Ryan twice at close range, while Ellis escapes with McBride and Ryan and heads for Mercy Hospital.

During transfer to custody On the road during transfer
4

Hospital siege kicks off

The Quinns arrive at Mercy Hospital to extract Ryan and kill the receptionist, taking visitors and staff hostage. Michelle hides her son Bobby in a locker to keep him safe as the siege begins.

Present day Mercy Hospital
5

Ryan hidden; McBride killed

Ellis hides Ryan on the hospital's upper floor. As investigators search for Ryan, Sean kills McBride by disconnecting his ventilator, escalating the crisis inside the hospital.

Present day Mercy Hospital, upper floors
6

Michelle fights back

Michelle uses her combat skills to contend with the hostage takers and kills Mick after a struggle. The action draws attention to her protective role as Bobby is found and taken hostage.

Present day Mercy Hospital
7

Swap plan and a deadly bomb

Paddy calls Michelle to negotiate a swap: Ryan for Bobby. Sean arms Dr. Terrance with a bomb vest and tells the police not to intervene, then activates the bomb, killing Dr. Terrance.

Present day Mercy Hospital
8

Revelations spark pursuit

Paddy confronts Sean about jeopardizing the family business and reveals that Ryan tipped off the FBI, prompting Sean to go after Ryan with renewed resolve.

Present day Mercy Hospital
9

Danny is silenced

Michelle locates Danny making a new bomb inside the hospital and, after a struggle, kills him to prevent the attack.

Present day Mercy Hospital
10

Morgue exchange and confessions

Michelle completes the exchange of Ryan for Bobby in the morgue, and Ryan reveals to Paddy that Sean shot him.

Present day Mercy Hospital Morgue
11

Paddy pays the price

Sean shoots Paddy in the abdomen during the confrontation. Paddy dies, expressing remorse for failing as a father before losing consciousness.

Present day Mercy Hospital
12

Final showdown and escape

Police storm the hospital, killing the remaining henchmen and rescuing the hostages. Sean shoots Michelle and activates a timed bomb, but she defuses it and pursues him into the tunnel; Bobby distracts Sean long enough for Michelle to kill him, and Ellis neutralizes Johnno as Bobby is saved.

Present day Mercy Hospital and tunnel

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:16

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Fast-paced siege thrillers like Mercy

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a linear, straightforward structure centered on a single, extended crisis. The conflict is external and immediate, pitting a group or individual against a powerful, often violent, opposing force. The emotional journey is one of pure survival, focusing on the characters' ingenuity and determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

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Movies are grouped here because they share a core structure of confinement and immediate threat. They deliver a specific viewing experience defined by non-stop tension, a fast pace, and a claustrophobic mood. The shared vibe is one of anxious, high-stakes survival against a ruthless antagonist.

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Stories where a parent's love becomes a powerful, relentless force for survival.For viewers who appreciated the core theme of maternal ferocity in Mercy, this section highlights similar movies. Discover other powerful stories where a parent's love drives the narrative against overwhelming odds. Find films with heavy emotional weight centered on family protection and survival.

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The narrative pattern revolves around a protagonist whose primary motivation is the safety of their child. This goal justifies extreme actions and pushes them into dangerous confrontations they would otherwise avoid. The journey is one of transformation, where love fuels courage and resilience, often culminating in a cathartic victory that reaffirms the family bond.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their central theme of protective love as a narrative engine. They share a heavy emotional weight driven by the vulnerability of a child and the ferocity of the parent's response. The tone is consistently intense, blending high-stakes tension with deep emotional stakes.

Unlock the Full Story of Mercy

Don't stop at just watching — explore Mercy in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Mercy is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Mercy Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mercy, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Mercy Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mercy

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Mercy. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mercy

Mercy Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Mercy that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Mercy Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Mercy

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Mercy: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Mercy

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