Just Mercy (2019)

Last updated:
June 1, 2025

Just Mercy (2019) is a deeply emotional legal drama based on the real-life story of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film sheds light on the systemic injustice in the American legal system, particularly how it affects African Americans and the poor.

This powerful film is an adaptation of Stevenson’s memoir Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, and it delivers a moving account of the fight for justice in the face of deeply rooted prejudice.

Detailed Summary

Introduction: A Young Lawyer’s Mission

Set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the story begins with Bryan Stevenson (played by Michael B. Jordan) graduating from Harvard Law School and moving to Alabama to represent prisoners who were wrongfully convicted and awaiting execution. He establishes the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery and is immediately confronted with the harsh realities of racial bias in the Deep South.

Meeting Walter McMillian

One of Stevenson’s first and most pivotal cases involves Walter “Johnny D.” McMillian (played by Jamie Foxx), a Black man who was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of a white woman named Ronda Morrison in Monroeville, Alabama—despite a mountain of evidence proving his innocence and multiple alibi witnesses. The case is tainted by a lack of physical evidence, coerced testimony, and overt racism.

Investigating the Case

Stevenson begins a meticulous investigation into the McMillian case. He uncovers that the key witness against McMillian, a convicted felon named Ralph Myers, was pressured by police to testify falsely. Stevenson faces resistance at every turn—from local law enforcement, the court system, and even death threats.

The Legal Battle Intensifies

As Stevenson digs deeper, he finds documents that were withheld from the defense, which clearly show Myers initially gave a statement that contradicted the prosecution’s narrative. Meanwhile, Myers begins to feel guilty and agrees to recant his false testimony in court, leading to a dramatic moment during a hearing where he admits he lied and was coerced.

Despite overwhelming evidence, the judge refuses to grant a new trial. This moment underlines just how difficult it is to overturn wrongful convictions, even when the truth is clear.

Movie Ending

The film’s climax arrives in the form of a 1993 Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals hearing. Stevenson appeals again, this time directly before the Alabama Supreme Court. The emotional tension is palpable, especially as McMillian sits in the courtroom, unsure of whether justice will finally be served.

The court unanimously overturns Walter McMillian’s conviction, and he is released from death row after spending six years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. The scene where McMillian finally walks free is deeply moving, filled with relief and heartbreak, knowing that he lost years of his life due to a system that failed him.

The film ends with text on screen detailing what happened afterward:

Walter McMillian died in 2013, suffering from dementia brought on by the trauma he endured.
Bryan Stevenson continues his work with the Equal Justice Initiative, which has helped hundreds of wrongly convicted individuals.
The film closes on Stevenson’s unrelenting dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Just Mercy does not feature any post-credits scenes. However, the end titles provide essential information about the real people behind the story, including updates on Bryan Stevenson’s continued work and the legacy of Walter McMillian. It’s worth watching the credits for this information alone, as it ties the narrative firmly back to real-world impact.

Type of Movie

Just Mercy is a biographical legal drama. It focuses on real-life events, combining courtroom tension with emotional storytelling. It’s also a social justice film, spotlighting racial discrimination, wrongful incarceration, and the flaws of the American legal system.

Cast

Michael B. Jordan as Bryan Stevenson
Jamie Foxx as Walter McMillian
Brie Larson as Eva Ansley
Rob Morgan as Herbert Richardson
Tim Blake Nelson as Ralph Myers
Rafe Spall as Tommy Chapman
O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Anthony Ray Hinton

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Joel P. West, known for his emotionally sensitive and atmospheric music. The soundtrack supports the film’s tone, often subdued and introspective, allowing the real weight of the events to land emotionally.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed primarily in Georgia, specifically in Atlanta and Montgomery, even though the story takes place in Monroeville, Alabama. Montgomery holds particular significance, as it is both a symbol of civil rights struggle and the location of Stevenson’s real Equal Justice Initiative. The authenticity of the Southern setting adds weight to the film’s portrayal of racial tensions and injustice.

Awards and Nominations

Just Mercy received critical acclaim and several nominations, particularly for its performances and social impact:

NAACP Image Awards: Won Outstanding Actor (Michael B. Jordan) and Outstanding Supporting Actor (Jamie Foxx)
Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards: Jamie Foxx was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Humanitas Prize: Finalist for promoting human dignity, meaning, and freedom

Despite a strong campaign, the film was snubbed by the Oscars, which led to discussions around the lack of diversity in award nominations that year.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Bryan Stevenson was directly involved in the film’s production, ensuring the story remained true to real events.
Jamie Foxx met with Walter McMillian’s family and spent time understanding the psychological toll the ordeal took.
Brie Larson took a supporting role to spotlight the story instead of herself.
Tim Blake Nelson transformed himself physically and vocally to portray Ralph Myers accurately.
Michael B. Jordan produced the film through his company Outlier Society and pushed for an inclusive cast and crew.

Inspirations and References

The film is adapted directly from Bryan Stevenson’s memoir, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. The book chronicles his early career, the founding of the Equal Justice Initiative, and his fight for justice for the wrongly condemned.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No alternate endings were reported, but a few scenes were shortened to maintain pacing. For example:

Additional courtroom footage was filmed but trimmed for dramatic effect.
More backstory on Herbert Richardson, a Vietnam veteran on death row, was also condensed but is detailed more fully in the book.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is a fairly faithful adaptation of Bryan Stevenson’s memoir, though it focuses more tightly on the Walter McMillian case. The book covers a wider range of stories, including other death row inmates and systemic legal abuses.

Differences include:

Some legal details were simplified for clarity.
Several characters were composites of real people.
Emotional pacing was adjusted to fit a two-hour narrative.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Walter’s arrest at a family gathering—an emotionally jarring and unjust moment.
The first visit between Stevenson and McMillian on death row.
Stevenson confronting Myers in prison, leading to the recantation.
Herbert Richardson’s execution—a sobering, haunting scene that underscores the film’s moral gravity.
McMillian’s release, greeted by his family and the press.

Iconic Quotes

Bryan Stevenson: “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
Walter McMillian: “If they take me out of here, they’re going to have to admit they were wrong.”
Stevenson (in court): “We all want justice. But justice has to be just.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film quietly references Harper Lee—author of To Kill a Mockingbird—who was from Monroeville, Alabama. Ironically, the town that celebrates the fictional Atticus Finch failed to protect the real Walter McMillian.
In a scene, Stevenson walks past a lynching memorial, referencing the real memorial built by the Equal Justice Initiative.

Trivia

Jamie Foxx’s real-life father was also wrongfully imprisoned, which made the role personal for him.
The film was released for free during June 2020 across platforms like Amazon and Apple TV, in response to the George Floyd protests.
Walter McMillian’s case was one of the first major victories for the Equal Justice Initiative.
The movie was shot in just 30 days, an impressive feat given its complexity.

Why Watch?

You should watch Just Mercy because it’s not just a movie—it’s a call to awareness. It’s about courage, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of justice. It humanizes a broken legal system and shows the real-life heroes working to change it. If you’re interested in law, civil rights, or just a great story with heart and purpose, this film will stay with you long after the credits roll.