Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins discuss two contrasting January genre films that represent different futures for cinema. They analyze 'Mercy,' a tech thriller starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, and 'Send Help,' Sam Raimi's survival thriller featuring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien.

The conversation explores recent Sundance acquisitions, BAFTA nominations, and early Beatles biopic photos before diving into detailed film analysis. Their discussion of Rachel McAdams' career leads to a broader examination of underutilized movie stars, particularly focusing on performers who have been miscast, underused, or failed to reach their full potential in Hollywood's current landscape.

Sundance Sales and Industry Updates

A24 acquired 'The Invite' starring Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Edward Norton, and Penelope Cruz about a couple invited to a swingers party

Olivia Wilde's comeback continues with multiple projects after 'Don't Worry Darling' controversy, including 'I Want Your Sex' and Tony Gilroy's 'Behemoth'

First Beatles biopic photos revealed Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr and Joseph Quinn, with Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson completing the cast for April 2028 releases

BAFTA Nominations Reveal Awards Season Dynamics

'Conclave' leads with 14 nominations, 'The Sinners' follows with 13, breaking Gandhi's 1982 record of 16 BAFTA nominations

Del Roy Lindo's Oscar nomination without BAFTA, SAG, or Globe recognition represents rare awards season occurrence, similar to Lakeith Stanfield in 2022

Amy Madigan's absence from BAFTA supporting actress category raises questions about her Oscar chances despite strong precursor support

Paul Mescal, Jesse Plemons, and Chase Infinity likely occupy sixth place in their respective Oscar categories based on BAFTA inclusion

Mercy: AI Thriller Gone Wrong

Chris Pratt plays detective on trial for wife's murder by Rebecca Ferguson's AI judge in 90-minute real-time countdown thriller

Film problematically portrays AI as both threat and ally, with Ferguson's judge developing human emotions to help solve the case alongside Pratt

Amazon's ring camera footage becomes crucial evidence, raising concerns about corporate messaging around surveillance technology acceptance

Screen-based cinematography makes practical action sequences look cheap and unconvincing, undermining potential thriller elements

Chris Pratt's Disappointing Career Arc

Pratt transformed from charming 'Parks and Recreation' comedian into generic action star, abandoning his natural comedic talents

'Guardians of the Galaxy' success led to repetitive angry-man-with-gun roles rather than diverse character work

Recent filmography limited to franchise work ('Super Mario,' 'Garfield') and forgettable thrillers like 'The Terminal List'

Send Help: Raimi's Return to Form

Sam Raimi reunites longtime collaborators Bill Pope, Bob Murawski, and Danny Elfman for survival thriller starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien

McAdams plays dowdy office worker who becomes increasingly unhinged after plane crash strands her with sexist boss on deserted island

Film refuses traditional moral framework, making both characters unsympathetic while exploring power dynamics and survival instincts

Raimi's signature meanness appears in gross-out moments and character degradation, similar to 'Evil Dead' and 'Drag Me to Hell'

Hollywood's Underutilized Star Problem

Rachel McAdams' generation of actresses (ages 36-50) shows only 3-4 stars remaining at Hollywood's center despite early promise

Lakeith Stanfield deserves action star opportunities after proving himself in 'Monkey Man' but continues getting supporting roles

James McAvoy's post-'X-Men' career stalled despite strong dramatic and comedic abilities demonstrated in 'Atonement' and 'Split'

Dev Patel remains undercast in mainstream films despite 'Slumdog Millionaire' success and 'Monkey Man' action credentials

Chris Pine's recent indie work in 'Carousel' showcases dramatic range Hollywood fails to utilize in major studio productions