Mercy Mercy Me Begins Filming — Wes Miller’s Crime Thriller Brings 1985 Heat

Lil Mama and Jason Mitchell bring heart and heat in first look at Mercy Mercy Me.

Wes Miller’s Mercy Mercy Me Kicks Off Production with Lil Mama, Jason Mitchell, and Carlos Ponce

The next entry in BLacklight’s slate of high-impact thrillers is officially underway. Mercy Mercy Me, a gritty 1985-set action-crime film from acclaimed filmmaker Wes Miller (Black Heat, Call Her King, A Day to Die), has begun production. The project, backed by BLacklight and produced by Andrew van den Houten and Miller himself, brings together an electric cast led by rapper Lil Mama, Jason Mitchell (Mudbound, Black Heat), and Carlos Ponce (Couples Retreat, The Passage).

Described as a stylish, high-stakes crime thriller, Mercy Mercy Me follows two reformed outlaws—Mercy (Lil Mama) and Khaos (Mitchell)—who are drawn back into the shadows for one last job. But this time, they’re up against mob bosses, a crooked cop (Ponce), and the ghosts of their past. Set to the haunting echoes of Marvin Gaye’s titular track, the film blends pulpy action, emotional weight, and a touch of vintage soul as its characters battle for survival and redemption.

Wes Miller, known for weaving social commentary into genre cinema, calls this film “a story about grief, guilt, and the struggle to find forgiveness.” He adds, “The cast brought raw, fearless performances that made every moment feel lived-in. I’m excited to share it with our audience.”

BLacklight, which has quickly carved a lane for bold, inclusive storytelling, continues its mission of amplifying underrepresented voices in genre filmmaking. Following the success of Call Her King and the theatrical release of Black Heat earlier this year, the studio is again teaming with 79th & Broadway Entertainment to handle global sales for Mercy Mercy Me.

Behind the scenes, the film is co-produced by Joseph O’Connor and Lloyd Watts, with Jessie Jalee and Chad Ghiron serving as executive producers. First-look images from the production have been released, showcasing the film’s neon-tinged noir aesthetic and 80s throwback grit.