On the surface, "Absolution" looks like the amalgamation of every single Liam Neeson movie that has been released in the past five years; the plot feels especially familiar: IMDb describes it as a story about "an aging gangster who attempts to reconnect with his children and rectify the mistakes in his past, but the criminal underworld won't loosen their grip willingly." If that doesn't sound like classic Neeson territory, then I don't know what does. He's once again a grizzled, weary man who's seen too much, done too much, and now wants to atone. There's the tense backdrop of the criminal underworld, the looming specter of revenge, and a narrative that digs into the bruised, broken relationships left in the wake of his violent past. Add to that the fact that Neeson's character is dealing with dementia-like symptoms, and you'd be forgiven for thinking that "Absolution" is a spiritual successor to 2023's "Memory."
The difference lies in the fact that, unlike some of Neeson's previous action-heavy roles, "Absolution" takes a different approach - rather than focusing on shootouts and chase scenes, this film leans into the emotional weight of Neeson's character; it's less about physical battles and more about the inner struggle of a man haunted by his own legacy. It's as if Neeson's typical action-hero persona has aged along with him, evolving from a man who solves problems with his fists to one who is confronted by the intangible scars he's inflicted over the years. Neeson isn't just a man with "a particular set of skills" this time; he's a man haunted by regret, desperately seeking redemption. And while the setup might be familiar, "Absolution" aims to explore the emotional depths of his character, adding layers of introspection that set it apart from his recent action-heavy roles.
In "Absolution," Neeson's character is no longer the invincible force audiences may expect. He's vulnerable, flawed, and forced to reckon with the pain he's caused others, particularly his own family. This isn't just another tale of vengeance - it's a story about confronting one's past and the potential impossibility of true redemption when the damage runs so deep.
With that said - and I can't emphasize this enough - "Absolution" is not an action film, no matter how much the trailer wants to convince you it is. There is about sixty (60) seconds of total action in this movie, and all of it is quick, to the point, and not meandering. Every moment of violence is brief, deliberate, and almost startling in its abruptness. Someone gets punched, maybe shot, possibly stabbed - and then it's over. And for some, this may be upsetting. After all, Neeson has all but made a career out of playing the tough-as-nails man who is as quick with his fists as he is with a trigger. "Absolution" takes a step back from this, focusing on the man instead of the action. And you know what? It worked for me.
This is a dark, dour drama where Neeson gets an opportunity to showcase how good of an actor he truly is; watching him try to atone with family and grapple with his rapidly deteriorating memory was both riveting and heartbreaking, with Neeson adding a level of believability to the role that other actors may not have been able to do. Also, there was clear competency behind the camera, with director Hans Petter Moland clearly taking care in the film's visuals - "Absolution" looks a lot better than some of Neeson's recent movies, namely "Blacklight," "Retribution," and "Honest Thief." Moland brings a sense of artistry to the screen, making each frame resonate with the weight of the story, and ensuring that Absolution doesn't just look good - it feels purposeful and atmospheric.
In a market flooded with cookie-cutter thrillers, "Absolution" stands out as a somber, well-crafted drama that allows Neeson to deliver one of his most compelling performances in years. This will disappoint fans of Liam who are looking for more of his action-heavy roles, but for those who are willing to immerse themselves in a well-made character study, "Absolution" delivers.
