Scott Z Burns:”I’d be lying if I said The Mercy wasn’t inspired by the fake news culture”

At one time or another, we imagine risking everything to achieve our dreams. Some people do and live rich, fulfilling lives. Others lie on their deathbeds, wishing they could have another go. But The Mercy tells the true story of one man who risked everything, and never achieved his dream.

Donald Crowhurst (Colin Firth) embarks on a perilous journey: a sailing race across the world. He builds his own boat, pouring every penny into it. But at sea he reaches an impasse – the boat isn’t sustainable enough to continue, and he can’t go back because he’ll lose everything. As a solution, he reports fake co-ordinates, pretending he’s on track.

The Upcoming was delighted to interview The Mercy’s writer and co-producer Scott Z Burns – discussing fake news, the struggle to create sympathy for Crowhurst, and the psychological distress Crowhurst endured at sea.

Euan Franklin

The Mercy is released in the UK on 9^th February 2018. Read our review here.