In the realm of crime thrillers, Liam Neeson’s presence has often been a draw for audiences seeking intensity and gravitas. However, his latest offering, “Absolution,” directed by Hans Petter Moland and penned by Tony Gayton, flounders under the weight of a familiar narrative – the “deadbeat dad redemption” arc, which feels both overplayed and uninspired. Neeson’s character, a seasoned Boston gangster grappling with a terminal diagnosis, attempts to mend his fractured relationships, particularly with his estranged daughter Daisy, played by Frankie Shaw. Unfortunately, this plotline lacks originality, veering into territory that has already been well tread in cinema.
The film’s premise suggests a critical exploration of familial bonds, yet instead, it exposes a superficial understanding of these dynamics. Neeson embodies Thug—an unoriginal moniker befitting a character whose depth is as shallow as the narrative itself. The strained father-daughter relationship, while rife with potential for emotional resonance, instead flounders in a series of clichés, where Neeson’s attempts to rectify his past are overshadowed by the formulaic structure of the storyline.
The characters within “Absolution” contribute to its disjointed feel. While Neeson’s Thug is portrayed as seeking redemption, the other significant figures, including the obligatory boss character Mr. Conner (played by Ron Perlman), feel underdeveloped. Perlman’s talents are squandered, leaving audiences wishing for deeper engagement with his character. Furthermore, the supporting cast, including Yolonda Ross and Daniel Diemer, are used more as narrative devices than fully fleshed-out individuals, reducing them to mere props in Thug’s journey rather than authentic representations of the struggles inherent in their lives.
The film’s portrayal of Daisy, a stripper navigating single motherhood and eviction, risks falling into yet another archetype that romanticizes hardship without genuinely addressing it. The attempt to intertwine her plight with Thug’s redemption feels unconvincing and lacks the emotional weight necessary to forge a strong connection between father and daughter. Instead of a profound narrative about overcoming personal demons, viewers are left with a perfunctory resolution that hints at responsibility but fails to actualize it.
A Troubling Depiction of Social Issues
One of the more concerning aspects of “Absolution” is its treatment of social issues, particularly regarding human trafficking and the LGBTQ community. A subplot involving human trafficking introduces an element of moral conflict for Thug; however, the execution is lacking. The barely-there character arcs of the victims reduce their trauma to plot mechanics rather than acknowledging the real and pressing issues surrounding exploitation. Thug’s eventual conscience serves as a fleeting attempt at social commentary without providing substantial depth to the pressing realities of such injustices.
Moreover, the film addresses Thug’s late son, who died of a heroin overdose, revealing complexities about their relationship muddled by homophobia. While Thug’s acknowledgment of his son’s sexuality hints at character development, it ultimately goes unaddressed, rendering it a disposable subplot. This lack of resolution on a critical note undercuts any meaningful exploration of familial love and acceptance.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, “Absolution” does shine in its visual presentation. The cinematography captures the beauty of Boston, offering viewers picturesque shots that briefly distract from the overarching plot issues. However, stunning visuals cannot fully compensate for the overarching failure in pacing and action. The film stretches 122 minutes, yet it oscillates between slow pacing and hasty storytelling, leaving little room for audience engagement. Action sequences, though present, feel disjointed and lack the tension one might expect from a crime thriller, leading to further disappointment.
Furthermore, a consistent feeling of indecision prevails throughout the film—whether it seeks to be an emotional family drama or an intense crime thriller remains ambiguous. This lack of clarity leads to viewer confusion and diminishes the impact of the film’s intended themes.
While “Absolution” might attract viewers due to Liam Neeson’s star power, it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling and original narrative. The film is littered with missed opportunities to explore deeper emotional themes and present its characters as real, relatable individuals. As it stands, “Absolution” feels like an incomplete puzzle, with pieces that just don’t fit. Perhaps audiences would be better served seeking out narratives that are willing to commit to genuine character development and social issues, rather than retreading the same tired paths of redemption.