REVIEW: “Absolution” (2024)

As a moviegoer who’s seen more than my fair share of Liam Neeson thrillers (and I mean that quite literally), I must say “Absolution” is a refreshing change from the usual formula. This film isn’t just about the action, but delves deeper into the human condition, making it a gripping and thought-provoking watch.

Liam Neeson’s action thrillers have become regular occurrences, much like day and night, and we’ve come to expect at least one each year. These movies typically follow a familiar pattern, though with minor differences (and I say this as a fan). However, in recent times, his thrillers have moved away from lighter, more casual genres towards grittier, more thought-provoking stories. This trend persists in his latest film, “Absolution”.

In “Absolution”, Liam Neeson teams up once again with director Hans Petter Moland, having previously worked together on 2019’s “Cold Pursuit”. Unlike their earlier project which had a dark comedic undertone, “Absolution” leans more towards tragedy. Tony Gayton, the screenwriter, constructs a solid crime thriller foundation, but his focus goes beyond the genre and delves into deeper, more human themes. As suggested by its title “Everyone Pays in the End”, not even the film’s flawed protagonist will emerge untouched.

In the movie “Absolution,” Nesson delivers an outstanding performance that significantly boosts the film’s appeal, with his trademark seriousness being a key strength. His character exudes a distinct Charles Bronson-like aura through his late ’70s style, thick mustache, and unyielding, tough-as-nails demeanor. He portrays Thug, a former boxer turned ruthless gangster who has faithfully served a Boston crime boss (Ron Perlman) for three decades. Despite his continued deadliness and efficiency, some regard Thug as outdated. This is most evident in certain early scenes where he’s required to collaborate with the boss’s inexperienced and imprudent son (Daniel Diemer).

However, Thug grapples with different issues primarily revolving around his recurring headaches and memory lapses. Occasionally, he struggles to recall names, directions, and even his own residence. Eventually, he seeks medical help and receives a diagnosis of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a disease associated with repeated brain trauma. He’s warned that his condition will worsen significantly over the next few years, which prompts him to reconcile with his past actions.

Thug reaches out to his estranged and rightfully bitter daughter Daisy (Frankie Shaw), a struggling single mother who reluctantly introduces him to his grandson, Dre (Terrence Pulliam). Moland and Gayton tease what looks to be a conventional reconciliation story. But for Thug, reconnecting proves difficult. And no matter how hard he tries, he can only keep his condition a secret for so long – from his understandably leery daughter; from the kind-hearted and filterless prostitute he begins seeing on the side (Yolonda Ross); and from his suspicious boss.

Liam Neeson skillfully portrays every aspect of his character, transitioning seamlessly between the ruggedly tough persona to the fragile man struggling to maintain his sanity. This nuanced and multifaceted performance draws upon the vast acting talents of this seasoned screen actor who is often overlooked. Both Shaw and Ross deliver captivating performances, while Perlman provides a strong and significant presence in his limited but powerful role.

In the movie, some parts don’t quite fit together smoothly. A couple of scenes, although well-intentioned, feel disjointed and lack the emotional impact intended. Particularly noticeable is a sudden change in Thug’s character as he develops an unexpected affection for a captive sex worker, which could have benefited from more development. However, “Absolution” still manages to be a compelling, slow-burning film that provides Liam Neeson with a deeper, more thoughtful role and allows him to revisit his action roots. “Absolution” hits theaters this Friday.

2024-10-31 17:56

REVIEW: “Absolution” (2024)

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