Welcome to Mercy

The story is set during World War II in the fictional Belgian town of Marwen. This backdrop serves as the stage for both the fictional adventures of Captain Hogie and the personal journey of Mark Hogancamp.

Captain Hogie, portrayed by Steve Carell, is flying his plane when it comes under attack from German forces. His heroic efforts to defend against them end in a catastrophic crash landing, resulting in injuries and the fiery destruction of his shoes.

While searching through the wreckage, Hogie discovers a briefcase filled with women's clothing and decides to wear a pair of high heels. This action leads to ridicule from the Nazis, yet Hogie defiantly asserts himself by kicking one of them.

As Hogie is overwhelmed by Nazi soldiers, a group of armed women comes to his rescue, showcasing their bravery. Among them is Wendy, who catches Hogie’s interest and signifies the turning tide in the battle.

The narrative shifts to modern-day, focusing on Mark Hogancamp, whose character and experiences inspire Hogie's story. Mark captures his surroundings with a camera, displaying a deep connection to Marwen and its inhabitants.

Mark Hogancamp is haunted by PTSD following a violent homophobic attack. He lives a solitary life, struggling with memories that are triggered by his environment, which challenges his mental health.

As Mark builds his diorama of Marwen, he populates it with dolls that embody his experiences and relationships. He reflects on the painful past, including his former wife, Wendy, emphasizing the healing power of his art.

In Marwen, Captain Hogie meets Elsa, a charming French milkmaid. The two develop a connection, and Hogie invites her to the local bar, symbolizing the pursuit of companionship amidst turmoil.

A tragic event unfolds when Elsa is shot by a Nazi sniper, leaving Hogie devastated as he watches her fate unfold. The supernatural element emerges when Deja uses magic to erase her from existence.

Mark faces a daunting reminder of his trauma when his lawyer calls regarding the trial for his attackers. The looming court date instills fear in him, yet it becomes a pivotal moment for his healing journey.

A visit to a local doll store becomes a moment of contemplation for Mark as he interacts with Roberta, who represents the normalcy he longs for. However, the sight of a Nazi doll triggers an anxiety-provoking flashback.

Mark introduces Nicol, his new neighbor, into the world of Marwen, creating a doll in her likeness. Their budding relationship reflects his healing process as they face challenges together in both reality and fantasy.

As his mental health deteriorates, Mark contemplates suicide, entering a dark phase of despair. The toll of his journey threatens his well-being, mirroring the perilous adventures of his dolls in Marwen.

In a climactic moment, Mark gathers the courage to confront his past in the courthouse. He delivers a heartfelt statement that brings some of his attackers to tears, reclaiming his narrative and demonstrating strength through vulnerability.

Mark showcases his photography work inspired by Nicol, now affectionately renamed Marwencol. This exhibition marks a significant step in his healing journey, intertwined with friendship and artistic expression.

The story concludes as we learn that Mark Hogancamp continues to thrive in upstate New York. He enthusiastically expands the magical world of Marwencol, symbolizing the resilience of art to conquer personal battles.