MERCS (2017)
Director: Michael Morris
Screenwriter: Michael Morris
Starring: Alicia Ancel, Micky Baker, Angus Brown, Kate Marie Davies, Tessa McGinn, Mike Morris
MERCS is an ambitious British short action film that showcases a passionate cast and crew working under severe budgetary constraints. Directed and written by Michael Morris, the project aims for a bold, comic-book-infused tone but ultimately struggles to fully realize its scope within its limited runtime and resources. This review examines the film’s strengths and weaknesses, from its visual style and performances to its pacing and technical execution.
The film follows a team of mercenaries on what is presented as “one last mission.” While the premise is straightforward, the movie’s exposition-heavy opening and rapid character turnover leave viewers with little reason to invest emotionally in the protagonists. Backstory is delivered through repetitive, on-the-nose dialogue in the first fifteen minutes, which diminishes the impact of later moments that intend to convey betrayal, sacrifice, and honor. As a result, several potentially powerful scenes feel emotionally hollow despite an evocative musical score that tries to amplify their weight.
Visually, MERCS leans into comic-book aesthetics. The color palette contrasts washed greys with bold, almost Power Rangers–like hues for the heroes, creating a stylized, graphic look. That comic-book influence becomes more explicit as different nationalities appear: speech is translated using comic-style text bubbles, a creative choice that both reinforces the film’s graphic-novel sensibility and serves as a pragmatic storytelling device. The animated segments—crafted by animator Thomas Waterhouse—are among the film’s most inspired elements. These sequences cleverly use animation to depict large-scale action (for example, exaggerated explosions or mass henchmen casualties) that would have been prohibitively expensive to shoot in live action. The animation’s design and execution suggest that a more fully realized animated approach might have better suited the story’s scope and heightened the film’s originality.
Budgetary limitations are apparent in other areas. With an estimated budget of approximately £5,000, MERCS attempts to juggle a large ensemble cast, introducing at least six central mercenaries who each receive brief spotlight moments during combat. This structure dilutes character development, making it hard for viewers to form attachments before characters are killed off. The decision to include an after-credits scene that expands the cast further undercuts narrative clarity; while it nods to comic-book franchise conventions, it adds narrative threads the film does not have the runtime to explore meaningfully.
Despite these shortcomings, the film benefits from notable performances and production design choices. Tessa McGinn stands out as the antagonist Morgana Mendell: her presence brings gravitas and charisma to scenes that otherwise lack emotional depth. Even when early sound issues slightly undermine her first moments, McGinn’s performance, together with careful hair, makeup, and wardrobe design—particularly her stark black costume and hair—establishes a compelling visual and dramatic counterpoint to the colorful mercenary team.
Technically, the film is uneven. The wardrobe and score are strong assets that contribute to the film’s atmosphere, and the animation sequences are genuinely impressive for a micro-budget production. However, CGI effects—especially digital blood—appear poorly rendered in places, and intermittent sound problems make some dialogue and action difficult to follow. These technical flaws, combined with the narrative’s assumption that viewers can intuitively fill in missing exposition, reduce the clarity of the story and the impact of its intended themes.
In summary, MERCS (2017) is a commendable indie effort that clearly reflects the enthusiasm and creativity of its filmmaker and cast. Its production design, score, and animation highlight real talent and potential. Yet the film’s ambition outstrips its means: an overloaded ensemble, heavy exposition, and technical limitations prevent it from delivering the emotional resonance and cinematic spectacle it aims for. With tighter focus—either by streamlining characters and plot or by committing fully to an animated/comic-book format—this project could have achieved a stronger, more coherent identity.
Score: 6/24
MERCS is a passion project from producer/screenwriter/director Michael Morris and was produced on an estimated budget of around £5,000. To follow updates from the filmmakers and the cast, search social channels using the handle @MERCSMOVIE or MERCSMOVIE on major platforms. For additional cast and production credits, consult film databases and listings under the title MERCS (2017).