Mercury Rising

Mercury Rising

Year: 1998

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Harold Becker

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

A brilliant and autistic 9-year-old boy named Simon possesses an extraordinary ability: he decodes the US government's highly classified MERCURY code. This makes him the target of dangerous forces seeking to exploit his talent for their own purposes. FBI agent Art Jeffries, operating outside the usual channels, finds himself responsible for Simon's protection. He must evade relentless and ruthless agents determined to capture the prodigy and weaponize his unique gift, turning it into a national security crisis.

Mercury Rising (1998) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Mercury Rising (1998) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a world where the nation’s most guarded secrets can be reduced to a series of numbers, a nine‑year‑old prodigy named Simon holds the key to a code that could upend the balance of power. His extraordinary ability to unravel the encrypted messages that ordinary analysts deem indecipherable makes him both a marvel and a ticking time‑bomb in the eyes of a government that thrives on control. The film opens on the quiet tension of an ordinary suburb, where the ordinary rhythms of daily life mask a hidden battle over information that could reshape national security.

Enter Art Jeffries, a seasoned FBI operative whose reputation for bending the rulebook has earned him both respect and wariness inside the bureau. When the agency realizes that Simon’s talent poses a potential crisis, they turn to Art—an agent who operates on instinct, grit, and a willingness to challenge bureaucracy. His unconventional methods clash with the procedural machinery of Washington, setting up a compelling clash between a lone wolf’s moral compass and the weight of institutional expectations.

The uneasy partnership that forms between Art and Simon is the film’s emotional core. As Art steps into the role of protector, he must learn to navigate the unique world of an autistic savant, whose brilliance is matched by a need for trust and patience. The atmosphere is charged with quiet suspense, laced with moments of humor and humanity that reveal the fragile line between danger and hope. Beneath the surface, unseen forces linger, hinting that the very act of shielding Simon may draw the attention of those who would exploit his gift, promising a tense, high‑stakes journey that tests both characters in unexpected ways.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:06

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Guardian Thrillers like Mercury Rising

A lone protector races against powerful forces to save an innocent target.If you liked the high-stakes protection dynamic in Mercury Rising, explore more movies where a lone hero battles a powerful conspiracy to save an innocent life. These tense thrillers feature similar themes of relentless pursuit, sacrifice, and the powerful bond formed under extreme pressure.

urgentrelentlessprotectiveparanoidhigh-stakesgrippingtense

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear pursuit, pitting a skilled but often rogue protector against a well-resourced, ruthless organization. The core journey involves evading capture, uncovering the conspiracy, and forging a protective bond with the ward, culminating in a direct confrontation against the primary threat.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared premise of a high-intensity protection mission, a tense and paranoid mood, and the central emotional dynamic between protector and ward, creating a consistently gripping and urgent viewing experience.

Paranoid Conspiracy Movies like Mercury Rising

An ordinary person uncovers a deadly secret that makes them a target.Discover more paranoid conspiracy thrillers like Mercury Rising, where an ordinary person becomes a target after uncovering a deadly government secret. These films share a tense, urgent vibe and explore themes of corruption, betrayal, and fighting back against an unseen enemy.

paranoidtenseconspiracybetrayalurgentanxiousrelentless

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a triggering event that reveals a hidden conspiracy, followed by a frantic flight from covert operatives. The protagonist must navigate a world where they cannot trust anyone, uncovering layers of deception while trying to expose the truth before being silenced.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies based on their shared core conflict: an individual versus a corrupt, secretive organization. The consistent elements are a tense, anxious mood, fast pacing driven by pursuit, and themes of institutional betrayal and survival.

Unlock the Full Story of Mercury Rising

Don't stop at just watching — explore Mercury Rising 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 Mercury Rising is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Mercury Rising Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mercury Rising, 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.

Mercury Rising Summary

Mercury Rising Timeline

Track the full timeline of Mercury Rising with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Mercury Rising Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mercury Rising

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mercury Rising

More About Mercury Rising

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Mercury Rising: 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 Mercury Rising

Similar Movies to Mercury Rising

Discover movies like Mercury Rising that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.