Arclight Films is sharing a first look at the new psychological thriller, Mercy Road, featuring Aussie actor Luke Bracey (Baz Lurhman’s Elvis, Warner Bros.’ Point Break, Academy Award-winner Hacksaw Ridge, Netflix’s Holidate). John Curran (Chappaquiddick, Tracks, The Painted Veil, Stone) directs the pic from a script he wrote with Chris Pelletier and Jesse Heffring.
Described as “a tense, psychological thriller,” Mercy Road centers on a flawed everyman (Bracey) who commits an impulsive and vicious crime. In this ultimate journey to redemption, he soon learns just how far he is willing to go to save his child. Susie Porter (Netflix’s Cargo) and Huw Higginson (IFC Films’ The Nightingale) co-star with acclaimed stage and screen actor Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, First Cow, Happy End).
“The film is a man’s reckoning in the final hour of his life. Luke is phenomenal as a man on the edge of sanity,” said Curran.
Gary Hamilton, Ying Ye and Michelle Krumm are producing for Arclight. The film is also billed as a game-changer with Alex Proyas (The Crow, 20th Century Fox’s I, Robot) producing through his virtual production outfit, Heretic Foundation, making it the first fully virtual Australian feature film shoot.
“The film utilizes the latest technologies to bring the creation of original CG worlds to life, performing real time in camera compositing on set,” the statement reads.
“Mercy Road was shot against specially created LED screens to capture the world of the film through Unreal Engine which delivers real world complex environments to the screen.”
Penny Karlin and Daniaile Jarry are also producing. Arclight is representing worldwide rights, launching sales in Berlin starting Thursday, and is co-repping North America with CAA Media Finance.
“Mercy Road really pushes the boundaries of new technology and its innovation has delivered. By adapting our original production plan and utilizing virtual production, we had 100% control of the environment which meant a faster shooting schedule and a safer space for the actors and crew to work in,” said Krumm.
“Mercy Road is a gripping thriller vividly brought to life by our amazing director, John Curran. The film’s star Luke Bracey is such an exceptional talent who simply ignites the screen and brings the audience along for a wild ride. This is a visually stunning and unique film that utilizes cutting-edge technology, which is incredibly appealing to worldwide buyers,” said Hamilton.
The film is produced with Hianlo Films and financed by Rainmaker Films, Icon Film Financing, Media Finance Capital utilizing Screen NSW PDV scheme and Filmology Finance.
Bracey is set to appear next in Andy Fickman’s romantic drama One True Loves which releases in the Spring from The Avenue. He is repped by CAA, Fourward, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, LLP.