Just Mercy (2019) [4K UHD Review]

Just Mercy is yet another film about the famous American tradition of imprisoning wrongly convicted people. Take count of the countless legal dramas, real life documentaries and general life experiences with you into this movie. Then, get ready to watch how very little has changed whether it be 1959 or 2019. This is Just Mercy.

Short Term 12…BEHIND BARS!

Just Mercy begins with Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) fresh out of Harvard Law School, determined to make a difference by providing legal defense to those who cannot afford it. He moves to Alabama and starts the Equal Justice Initiative, where he takes on the case of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), who was convicted of murder based on dubious testimony and without any concrete evidence. The film follows Stevenson’s efforts to expose the truth, navigate the prejudiced legal system, and secure McMillian’s release.

The narrative is gripping and heartbreaking, particularly in its depiction of the racial tensions and injustices that were rampant in the South during the 1980s and 90s. It’s a story that, while set in the past, resonates deeply with the ongoing struggles for racial equality and justice in America today.

The screenplay, co-written by Cretton and Andrew Lanham, carefully balances the legal aspects of the story with the emotional toll on the characters. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of the death penalty, the pain of wrongful incarceration, and the slow, often frustrating process of seeking justice in a deeply flawed system.

Scared Straight…into the arms of a more civilized country

The heart of Just Mercy lies in its performances, particularly those of Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. Jordan brings a quiet intensity to the role of Bryan Stevenson, portraying him as a man driven by his principles, yet deeply empathetic and aware of the personal sacrifices his work demands. Jordan’s performance is both restrained and powerful, capturing the essence of a man who, despite facing countless obstacles, never loses faith in his mission.

Jamie Foxx delivers one of his most compelling performances as Walter McMillian. His portrayal of McMillian is layered and nuanced, moving beyond the typical depiction of a wronged man to show the deep psychological scars left by his wrongful conviction. Foxx captures McMillian’s despair, his moments of hope, and the profound impact of Stevenson’s unwavering belief in his innocence. It’s a performance that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, making McMillian’s journey all the more poignant.

Supporting performances by Brie Larson as Eva Ansley, Stevenson’s dedicated colleague, and Tim Blake Nelson as Ralph Myers, the man whose false testimony led to McMillian’s conviction, further enrich the film. Nelson, in particular, delivers a standout performance, portraying Myers as a deeply flawed, conflicted individual whose actions have devastating consequences. His scenes with Foxx are among the film’s most powerful, revealing the complexity of guilt, redemption, and the search for truth.

18 to Life…is more than a Skid Row song

Destin Daniel Cretton’s direction is both sensitive and assured, guiding the film with a steady hand that allows the story and performances to shine. Cretton avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the human elements of the story—the pain, the resilience, and the small victories that define the fight for justice. His approach gives the film a grounded, authentic feel, making the emotional beats hit harder and the moments of triumph more resonant.

The cinematography by Brett Pawlak complements Cretton’s direction, using natural light and a subdued color palette to reflect the film’s somber tone. The visual style is understated, allowing the story and performances to take center stage, but it’s also effective in creating a sense of place and time. The rural landscapes of Alabama, the claustrophobic confines of the prison, and the austere courtrooms all contribute to the film’s atmosphere, immersing the viewer in the world of Just Mercy.

The decision to use long takes and close-ups during key emotional scenes further enhances Just Mercy’s impact, allowing the actors’ performances to resonate fully with the audience. The cinematography doesn’t draw attention to itself but serves the story in a way that feels organic and true to the material.

Seriously….the American Criminal Justice system is a joke and the time for revolution is long overdue

One of the film’s strengths is its ability to convey these themes without becoming preachy or didactic. Instead, it uses the personal stories of Stevenson, McMillian, and the other inmates on death row to illustrate the human cost of these systemic failures. The film asks difficult questions about the nature of justice, the morality of the death penalty, and the role of race in determining who gets to live and who dies.

The film also explores the theme of redemption, not just for McMillian, but for other characters as well. Ralph Myers, for instance, is given a chance to redeem himself by telling the truth, even though it comes at great personal cost. This theme is echoed in the stories of the other inmates, who are all fighting for a second chance, a chance to be seen as more than just the worst thing they’ve ever done.

The relationship between Stevenson and McMillian is central to the film’s exploration of these themes. Their bond, based on mutual respect and a shared belief in justice, serves as a powerful counterpoint to the corruption and prejudice they face. It’s a relationship that evolves over the course of the film, moving from one of lawyer and client to one of deep friendship, and it’s through this relationship that the film delivers some of its most poignant moments.

But…before you become a Revolutionary, make sure to check out this 4K UHD.

The 4K UHD release of Just Mercy offers a significant upgrade in visual quality, enhancing the film’s already impressive cinematography. The 2160p resolution brings out the fine details in every frame, from the texture of the characters’ clothing to the intricate details of the film’s settings. This is particularly noticeable in close-up shots, where the enhanced resolution allows for a more immersive viewing experience.

Just Mercy’s color palette, which is intentionally subdued to reflect the somber tone of the story, benefits from the High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature. HDR enhances the contrast between light and dark areas of the screen, making the shadows deeper and the highlights more pronounced. This is especially effective in scenes set inside the prison, where the dim lighting and stark surroundings create a powerful sense of confinement and despair. The use of HDR also helps to bring out the subtle variations in skin tones, adding to the film’s naturalistic look.

The outdoor scenes, particularly those set in the rural landscapes of Alabama, also benefit from the 4K upgrade. The textures of the trees, the gravel roads, and the weathered buildings are all rendered with a level of detail that makes the setting feel more tangible. The natural lighting in these scenes is beautifully captured, creating a sense of place that is both authentic and evocative.

Just Mercy also comes with a few special features. You get a few featurettes and deleted scenes. The real winner of the Just Mercy disc is the A/V Quality. If that sounds good, give Just Mercy a shot.

Just Mercy is now available on 4K UHD from MovieZyng and our other partners