Just Mercy

At the end of Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson’s relentless efforts lead to the exoneration of Walter McMillan, who has been wrongly imprisoned for nearly five years due to a deeply flawed and racially biased justice system. The film concludes with a sense of hope, suggesting that despite systemic injustices, there are mechanisms—like dedicated advocates and legal checks—that can eventually correct wrongful convictions. McMillan’s case is a powerful reminder of these possibilities, and his eventual freedom symbolizes the potential for justice to triumph over prejudice when someone fights tirelessly on behalf of the innocent.

However, the film also subtly underscores a darker reality: the death penalty remains a cruel and unjust practice, especially considering that wrongful convictions can and do lead to executions. The only person executed in the film, Herbert Richardson, is depicted as a tragic figure whose mental health issues, exacerbated by his wartime trauma, contributed to his crime. His execution, portrayed with emotional weight, emphasizes the inhumanity of capital punishment and the systemic errors it facilitates. The film’s final message about the death penalty is complex—while it condemns the practice as cruel and flawed, it also shows that the only actual execution shown was of a guilty man, raising questions about justice and morality. This duality leaves viewers contemplating whether the legal system truly delivers justice or perpetuates brutality.

Ultimately, Just Mercy invites audiences to reflect on the ongoing racial and procedural injustices within the American legal system. It highlights how systemic biases and failures have wrongfully condemned innocent people like McMillan, demonstrating that reform is necessary. Yet, it also subtly conveys that progress is possible through perseverance and advocacy, even if the broader system remains deeply flawed. The closing statistic—that one person is exonerated for every nine executions—reminds viewers of the grave risks of capital punishment and the many innocent lives that are vulnerable within this unjust system. The film’s hopeful yet sobering ending urges us to remain vigilant and committed to meaningful change, acknowledging that while justice can sometimes be achieved, many stories of wrongful conviction and systemic failure continue to unfold behind the scenes.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58