What Is Mercury Rising About?
The premise of Mercury Rising in 278 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a world where the nation’s most guarded secrets can be reduced to a series of numbers, a nine‑year‑old prodigy named Simon holds the key to a code that could upend the balance of power. His extraordinary ability to unravel the encrypted messages that ordinary analysts deem indecipherable makes him both a marvel and a ticking time‑bomb in the eyes of a government that thrives on control. The film opens on the quiet tension of an ordinary suburb, where the ordinary rhythms of daily life mask a hidden battle over information that could reshape national security.
Enter Art Jeffries, a seasoned FBI operative whose reputation for bending the rulebook has earned him both respect and wariness inside the bureau. When the agency realizes that Simon’s talent poses a potential crisis, they turn to Art—an agent who operates on instinct, grit, and a willingness to challenge bureaucracy. His unconventional methods clash with the procedural machinery of Washington, setting up a compelling clash between a lone wolf’s moral compass and the weight of institutional expectations.
The uneasy partnership that forms between Art and Simon is the film’s emotional core. As Art steps into the role of protector, he must learn to navigate the unique world of an autistic savant, whose brilliance is matched by a need for trust and patience. The atmosphere is charged with quiet suspense, laced with moments of humor and humanity that reveal the fragile line between danger and hope. Beneath the surface, unseen forces linger, hinting that the very act of shielding Simon may draw the attention of those who would exploit his gift, promising a tense, high‑stakes journey that tests both characters in unexpected ways.
What Happens in Mercury Rising?
The complete story of Mercury Rising, from the first scene to the last, in 567 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film kicks off with a tense bank robbery hostage situation unfolding in South Dakota. Undercover as one of the criminals, FBI agent Art Jeffries stands guard over fourteen-year-old James, striving to persuade the gang’s leader, Edgar Halstrom. Despite his appeals for more negotiation time, the situation escalates when an armed FBI task force storm the building, resulting in a tragic outcome as both James and the criminals are fatally shot. Enraged by this outcome, Art confronts his superior, Hartley, and in a fit of frustration, punches him when Hartley insists they must answer to Washington. This impulsive act leads to Art’s demotion, relegating him to desk duty.
Fast forward several years, we meet Simon Lynch, a nine-year-old autistic savant, who is gifted a sophisticated puzzle book by his teacher. Demonstrating his exceptional abilities, Simon swiftly solves a complex puzzle and inadvertently contacts two National Security Agency cryptographers, Dean Crandell and Leo Pedranski. They discover that the cypher Simon cracked poses a national security threat and report the incident to their superior, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kudrow. As a response to this perceived threat, Kudrow sends assassins, Peter Burrell and Shayes, on a mission to eliminate Simon and his parents.
Disguised as a police officer, Burrell coldly murders Simon’s mother and father, but he fails to locate Simon, who is hiding in his bedroom. After discovering that Martin called 911, Burrell fabricates a murder-suicide scene. Meanwhile, Jeffries is assigned to the case, where he ultimately finds Simon concealed in a crawl space. After a nurse informs Art about Simon’s autism and the challenges it presents for interrogation, Burrell poses as a doctor to make another attempt on the boy’s life. Art successfully intervenes, whisking Simon away from danger.
Aboard a train, Shayes attempts to kill Simon again, but Art acts heroically, knocking Shayes off onto the tracks where he meets his demise. Following this, Kudrow schemes to frame Art as Simon’s kidnapper, but fellow agent Tommy Jordan suspects foul play and aids Art in his pursuit to protect Simon. As Simon contacts Crandell and Pedranski once more, Art arranges a meet at the Wrigley Building. Tragically, their plans take a deadly turn when Burrell brutally kills Crandell before he can disclose crucial information regarding the conspiracy.
In the meantime, Pedranski tries to relay Kudrow’s illegal operations in letters but becomes a target himself, leading to his own demise at the hands of Burrell. However, Pedranski’s girlfriend, Emily Lang, takes the carbon copies of his letters to the FBI, where they serve as pivotal evidence thanks to Jordan. Determined to protect Simon, Art confronts Kudrow at his birthday party, demanding he publicly renounce the Mercury Encryption Project and claiming responsibility for Simon’s ordeal.
With Jordan’s assistance, Simon is slated to enter Witness Protection. Nevertheless, Kudrow, desperate to silence any loose ends and conceal his failures, goes to extreme lengths to seize Simon before the procedure can take place. Ultimately, a climactic showdown ensues at a skyscraper, where an intense gunfight erupts. Burrell meets his end in a spectacular fashion, while Art faces off with Kudrow, and with Simon’s clever assistance, he ensures the villain’s downfall.
In the final moments, Art and Stacey Siebring check on Simon, who is now safe with his foster family. As Simon embraces Art—a gesture of trust and friendship—it marks a heartfelt conclusion to their harrowing journey, showcasing the bond they have forged through adversity.
Mercury Rising Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
16 key events in the order they happen, from “Bank Robbery Hostage Situation” to “Safe at Last”. 5 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Bank Robbery Hostage Situation
The film begins with a tense bank robbery in South Dakota, where FBI agent Art Jeffries is undercover among the criminals. Art tries to reason with the gang's leader, Edgar Halstrom, to keep the situation from escalating.
Where:South Dakota
- 2
Tragedy During the Assault
As tensions rise, an armed FBI task force storms the building, leading to a tragic outcome. Both fourteen-year-old James, whom Art was protecting, and multiple criminals are fatally shot during the chaotic assault.
Where:South Dakota
- 3
Art's Confrontation
In a fit of rage and frustration over the tragic outcome, Art confronts his superior, Hartley. This confrontation escalates when Art punches Hartley, resulting in his demotion to desk duty as punishment.
- 4
Introduction of Simon Lynch
Years later, we meet Simon Lynch, a nine-year-old autistic savant. His teacher gifts him a sophisticated puzzle book, and Simon exhibits his extraordinary abilities by swiftly solving a complex puzzle.
- 5
Contacting the NSA
Simon's solving of the puzzle inadvertently leads to contact with two NSA cryptographers, Dean Crandell and Leo Pedranski. They realize that the cypher Simon cracked poses a significant national security threat.
- 6
Assassins Sent After Simon
In response to the perceived threat, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kudrow orders assassins, Peter Burrell and Shayes, to eliminate Simon and his family. This sets off a deadly chain of events targeting Simon.
- 7
Murder of Simon's Parents
Disguised as a police officer, Burrell brutally murders Simon's parents while searching for him. However, Simon escapes detection by hiding in his bedroom, ultimately leading Burrell to fabricate a murder-suicide scene.
- 8
Art Takes on the Case
Art Jeffries is assigned to investigate the murders of Simon's parents. During the case, he discovers Simon hiding in a crawl space, understanding the immediate danger that the boy is in.
- 9
Burrell's Second Attempt
After learning about Simon's autism, Burrell poses as a doctor to make another attempt on the boy's life. However, Art intervenes just in time, whisking Simon away to safety from the looming danger.
- 10
Confrontation on the Train
While aboard a train, Shayes tries to kill Simon again. Art heroically knocks Shayes off the train tracks, preventing another assassination attempt on Simon's life.
Where:Train
Show the other 6 events of Mercury Rising Hide the last 6 events
- 11
Kudrow's Scheme
Kudrow devises a plan to frame Art as Simon's kidnapper, aiming to eliminate all witnesses. Yet fellow agent Tommy Jordan, suspecting foul play, decides to help Art in protecting Simon.
- 12
Tragic Meeting
Art arranges a meeting at the Wrigley Building with NSA agents Crandell and Pedranski. Tragically, Burrell arrives first and murders Crandell before he can reveal critical details about Kudrow's conspiracy.
Where:Wrigley Building
- 13
Pedranski's Attempt to Expose Kudrow
Pedranski tries to inform the FBI about Kudrow's illegal operations through letters. Unfortunately, he becomes a target himself and is killed by Burrell, adding to the chaos surrounding the situation.
- 14
Emily's Crucial Evidence
However, Pedranski's girlfriend, Emily Lang, brings the carbon copies of his letters to the FBI, where they serve as pivotal evidence. With this evidence in hand, Art gains a crucial advantage in his fight against Kudrow.
- 15
Climactic Showdown
As tensions reach a boiling point, a climactic showdown unfolds at a skyscraper. An intense gunfight erupts, resulting in Burrell's death and Art ultimately confronting Kudrow with Simon's clever assistance.
Where:Skyscraper
- 16
Safe at Last
In the final scenes, Art checks on Simon, who is now safe with his foster family. Their heartfelt embrace signifies the bond they have forged through their harrowing journey, bringing a sense of closure to their story.
Who Are the Main Characters in Mercury Rising?
6 characters, among them Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis), Simon Lynch and Hartley (Alec Baldwin): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 5 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis)
Played by Bruce Willis
Art Jeffries is a determined and gritty FBI agent defined by his strong sense of justice and protectiveness. His journey revolves around grappling with guilt from past mistakes while striving to safeguard Simon from imminent peril. Art’s character evolves from a man frustrated by bureaucracy to a devoted protector.
- 👮♂️ FBI Agent
- 💔 Tragic Past
- SL
Simon Lynch
Simon Lynch is a brilliant and vulnerable nine-year-old autistic savant whose extraordinary puzzle-solving abilities unwittingly put him in grave danger. Despite his youth and challenges with social interactions, Simon exhibits remarkable intelligence and resilience, focusing on forming a genuine connection with those who care for him.
- 🧩 Autistic Savant
- 👶 Child Prodigy
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Hartley (Alec Baldwin)
Played by Alec Baldwin
Hartley serves as a high-ranking FBI official whose rigid adherence to protocols leads to conflict with Art Jeffries. His insistence on upholding governmental standards often conflicts with the urgency of the situation, marking him as an antagonist in Art's quest to protect Simon.
- 👔 FBI Superior
- ⚖️ Authority Figure
-
Dean Crandell (Peter Stormare)
Played by Peter Stormare
Dean Crandell is a cryptographer at the NSA, deeply entangled in the conspiracy that surrounds Simon's life. He represents the intellectual side of the struggle against the corrupt elements within the government, ultimately facing a tragic fate in his pursuit of the truth.
- 🔍 Cryptographer
- 🤔 Intellectual
-
Leo Pedranski (Chi McBride)
Played by Chi McBride
Leo Pedranski is another NSA cryptographer who works alongside Crandell. His commitment to exposing illegal operations showcases his loyalty and the high stakes involved in safeguarding national security. Leo's determination highlights the theme of camaraderie in the face of danger.
- 🔍 Cryptographer
- 🕵️♂️ Loyal Friend
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Tommy Jordan (Kim Dickens)
Played by Kim Dickens
Tommy Jordan is an FBI agent who becomes suspicious of the unfolding cover-up surrounding Simon's case. Through her sharp instincts and dedication to justice, she aids Art in his quest to protect Simon, embodying the values of integrity and courage.
- 👮♀️ FBI Agent
- 🕵️♀️ Investigator
Where and When Is Mercury Rising Set?
Mercury Rising is set in South Dakota and Wrigley Building. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film's events unfold over several years, highlighting the progression of time through Simon's childhood and the ongoing consequences of the traumatic bank robbery. This timeline allows for character development and the rising tension of the villain's malevolent actions.
Where
South Dakota, Wrigley Building
South Dakota is known for its rugged terrain and rich history, often associated with Native American culture and the Black Hills. The Wrigley Building, located in Chicago, is a notable landmark recognized for its distinctive architecture and historical significance.
- 🏙️ Cityscape
- 🏢 Skyscraper
What Are the Themes of Mercury Rising?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Protection, Secrecy and Friendship.
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01
Protection
A central theme in the movie is the notion of protection, as Art Jeffries goes to great lengths to safeguard Simon from dangerous threats. This theme is echoed by the concept of familial bonds, portraying the lengths a guardian will go for their charge. The collaboration between characters supports this overarching message of loyalty.
-
02
Secrecy
Secrecy plays a pivotal role in the movie, depicted through the illicit operations of the Mercury Encryption Project and the conspiracies surrounding Simon's safety. Characters engage in undercover actions, revealing the costs associated with keeping critical information hidden. The tension created by this theme escalates the story's stakes.
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03
Friendship
The developing friendship between Art and Simon serves as a powerful emotional narrative. Their bond strengthens in the face of adversity, illustrating trust and companionship in dire circumstances. This theme of friendship anchors the storyline and provides hope amid a backdrop of danger.
What Kind of Film Is Mercury Rising?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A relentlessly tense and fast-paced thriller that creates a sense of constant pursuit and paranoia, balanced by a protective, heartfelt connection between a traumatized agent and a vulnerable autistic child.
- tense
- paranoid
- urgent
- relentless
- protective
- anxious
- conspiracy thriller
- child in jeopardy
- protector and ward
- autism representation
Content notes: child endangerment, murder of parents, assassination plot, gun violence.
Quiz
How well do you remember Mercury Rising? Test yourself on the story.
