Year: 1998
Runtime: 111 min
Language: English
Director: Harold Becker
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.
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
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