Following his Academy Award® nominated film The Theory of Everything, James Marsh directs the incredible true story of Donald Crowhurst (Colin Firth), an amateur sailor who competed in the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in the hope of becoming the first person in history to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe without stopping. With an unfinished boat and his business and house on the line, Donald leaves his wife, Clare (Rachel Weisz) and their children behind, hesitantly embarking on an adventure on his boat the Teignmouth Electron.
Directed by James Marsh
Written by Scott Z. Burns
Starring Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz, David Thewlis, Ken Stott, Jonathan Bailey
In NZ theatres 8 March 2018
So, what’d we think?
Can Colin Firth make a bad movie? We certainly don’t think so.
The Mercy is a carefully crafted seabound drama that takes you deep into the heart and mind of an amateur sailor.
Firth shines as Donald Crowhurst, a family man with dreams of grandeur who takes on a challenge he is in no way prepared for. Watching the unravelling of his mind in the face of death, deception and desolation is a heartbreaking affair (especially when all you can see is Mr. Darcy staring back at you), but it is also the reason you need to watch this movie. It’s a humbling experience being reminded of our human fallibilities and the depths our minds can muddle to when we spin those webs of hopes, dreams, egos and unchecked reality!
Marsh and his team have created a beautifully dark and dreary look at life at sea. From the storm ridden waters to the incessant creaking of the boat, The Mercy has an eerie undertone that feeds into the familial sub-plots and keeps you on the edge until the film reaches its climactic moment.
We also want to give a special mention to the ever talented Rachel Weisz who breathes life into Crowhurst’s wife. Weisz brilliantly portrays a women struggling to find balance between supporting her husbands dreams and dealing with the reality of running a household and raising two children while he is at sea.
But, should you see it?
Absolutely. If you love Colin Firth and are partial to a good drama, then this is not to be missed. Supported by an incredible cast of actors, The Mercy is a perfect pick for anyone looking to watch something a little darker.
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Written by Chrissy Thompson
A massive fan of a sing-along and dancing in the rain, Chrissy is an incredible artist who usually has a sketch pad in hand. A lover of nature, she spends her weekends hiking with her partner, taking pictures of her adorable pug Rosie and learning a new skill.
Favourite fashion and decor style: Boho-chic
I was actually disappointed with this movie… My daughters volleyball team had a fundraiser and most of the people walked out frustrated & confused by the movie. In saying that, my opinion of the movie doesn’t reflect how I feel out Colin Firth.
Colin Firth is absolutely brilliant in most things I have seen him in. This sounds like a real tear jerker. Might have to try for a girl’s night to watch it.
I’m not much of a movie watcher, but this is definitely a movie I’m wanting to watch, sounds like an incredible (and true!) story. And great to read a good review of it, I will definitely be going to watch!
I fell in love with Colin Firth when I saw him as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice! My husband actually suggested that we see this at the movies and I am really looking forward to it!!
You had me at Colin Firth its always a great movie when he is in it, look like a great meaning of life movie based on a true story its bound to be good!!
I saw this trailor in last months reviews I think it was I would be interested to see it especially to see what happens in the movie. I like movies based on true stories as well because in reality it would be a difficult journey to complete.
I actually don’t mind Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz is pretty cool also 🙂 It wouldn’t be my kind of flick to go and see normally but it may be ok, especially as it’s based on a true story.
Great to read a good review for this film! My husband showed me the trailer awhile back as he is keen to check it out so it looks like we will be checking it out for ourselves.