Kali Reis on starring in the new film ‘Mercy’

Key Concepts

• Mercy (Film): A sci-fi thriller centered around a detective facing trial by AI.
• AI as Judge/Jury/Executioner: The film’s core premise exploring the implications of AI in the justice system.
• MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women): A critical issue of violence against Indigenous women and the need for awareness and action.
• Indigenous Representation in Media: The importance of authentic storytelling and Indigenous voices in filmmaking.
• Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe individuals who fulfill both masculine and feminine roles.
• Cape Verdean: Relating to the people or culture of Cape Verde, an island country off the west coast of Africa.

The Film "Mercy" and the Evolving Perception of AI

The upcoming sci-fi thriller Mercy presents a future where artificial intelligence serves as judge, jury, and executioner. The film follows detective Jack (Chris Pratt) who has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to an AI judge (Rebecca Ferguson). Kaye Reese, playing a skeptical detective, aims to uncover the truth. Reese highlighted the experience of working with Pratt and Ferguson, particularly noting Ferguson’s ability to imbue humanity into the portrayal of an AI judge. She emphasized the collaborative effort to develop backstories for their characters, given their limited on-screen interaction, primarily communicating through phone calls.

The discussion surrounding Mercy quickly moved to the broader implications of AI, particularly given the rapid advancements in the field since the script was initially read two years ago. Reese expressed a cautiously optimistic view, stating, “It’s just like anything else. It’s a great tool. You know, a tool you can have a hammer to build, you can have a hammer to destroy.” This analogy underscores the dual-use potential of AI, acknowledging both its benefits and risks.

The MMIW Crisis and the Need for Systemic Change

A significant portion of the interview focused on Kaye Reese’s advocacy for awareness regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Reese, identifying as a mixed Cape Verdian, Indigenous Wampanoag, and Two-Spirit woman, explained that the issue wasn’t widely discussed during her upbringing. She noted the lack of mainstream attention and resources dedicated to addressing the crisis.

Reese stated, “There’s no answers, there’s lack of resources and I just don’t understand why it’s not we’re not talking about this all the time we talk about everything else we talk about AI we talk about the new Laboo’s out, but we don’t talk about things that matter and our people are being targeted.” This statement highlights a perceived disparity in societal priorities, contrasting the attention given to technological advancements with the neglect of a critical human rights issue.

Reese proposed leveraging technology, specifically AI, to create warning systems and clarify jurisdictional issues in MMIW cases. She pointed out the problem of “jurisdiction battles” where cases are delayed or dismissed due to unclear legal authority, often resulting in tragic outcomes.

Authentic Indigenous Representation in Media

The conversation then shifted to the importance of authentic Indigenous representation in media and film. Reese argued for the necessity of telling stories from the source, rather than about Indigenous people from external perspectives. She emphasized the historical pattern of Indigenous narratives being filtered through non-Indigenous viewpoints, leading to misrepresentation and inaccuracies.

“I just think that we should continue on the trajectory that we are on telling these indigenous stories, having these filmmakers, having these writers, even makeup artists, hair hair stylists, designers, just telling these authentic stories from these authentic perspectives, no matter what story we’re telling,” Reese asserted. This statement advocates for comprehensive Indigenous involvement in all aspects of filmmaking, ensuring that narratives are grounded in lived experiences and cultural understanding.

Reese’s Background and Advocacy

Kaye Reese’s personal background was also discussed, highlighting her Rhode Island roots and her accomplishments as a boxer. She was identified as the first Indigenous woman fighter to become a world champion. Reese clarified that she doesn’t necessarily identify as an “activist,” but rather as a “mouthpiece” using her platform to raise awareness about critical issues.

Conclusion

The interview with Kaye Reese provided insights into the themes of the film Mercy – the potential and perils of AI – while simultaneously highlighting crucial social issues like the MMIW crisis and the need for authentic Indigenous representation in media. Reese’s perspective underscored the importance of responsible technological development, systemic change to address violence against Indigenous women, and the power of storytelling to amplify marginalized voices. The discussion demonstrated a clear connection between futuristic anxieties about AI and present-day realities of social injustice, urging a more equitable and inclusive approach to both technology and representation.