Liam Neeson has cemented his status as a powerful on-screen presence over the years, often commanding attention no matter the material. Yet, his recent venture, *Absolution*, raises a challenging question: does the film contribute anything new to the genre, or does it merely recycle familiar tropes? The answer seems to lean towards the latter. This article delves into the film’s narrative, character dynamics, and thematic execution, aiming to uncover the reasons behind its underwhelming reception.
A Familiar Narrative: Deadbeat Dad’s Redemption
For many seasoned filmgoers, the storyline of an estranged father scrambling to make amends ahead of his impending death is a well-trodden path. In *Absolution*, Neeson portrays a Boston gangster grappling with his mortality after receiving a terminal diagnosis. This character arc not only feels predictable but lacks the emotional depth required to engage the audience fully. The script, penned by Tony Gayton, leans heavily on clichés: a morally ambiguous protagonist, family estrangement, and a desperate race against time. The plot does little to innovate within this framework; instead, it evokes a sense of déjà vu that leaves viewers wanting more.
What’s troubling is how *Absolution* attempts to balance crime thriller elements with personal redemption, ultimately faltering in delivering a satisfying resolution for its characters. As Neeson’s character, referred to only as “Thug,” seeks reconciliation with his estranged daughter Daisy, played by Frankie Shaw, the film merely scratches the surface of their troubled relationship. While it’s clear that their fractured bond is central to the narrative, the development feels rushed and superficial, creating a disconnect that hinders emotional investment.
One of the more disappointing aspects of *Absolution* is the treatment of its supporting characters, particularly those from marginalized groups. The film’s portrayal of sex workers and LGBTQ characters predominantly reduces them to mere plot devices, lacking the nuance and agency that would make them resonate as real individuals. Daisy’s narrative includes her life as a stripper, woven into the storyline in a way that feels more like a hastily assembled plot point than an exploration of the complexities involved in her struggles.
Additionally, Neeson’s character grapples with the death of his son, a subplot that introduces themes of homophobia and regret but does little to explore them meaningfully. The moment when Thug admits to his girlfriend that his late son was gay is one of the film’s critical moments, yet it seems to barely scratch the surface of a deeper exploration of grief, guilt, and familial relationships. Instead, this subplot fizzles out without any follow-up, leaving an untapped potential that could have enriched the overall narrative.
Action and Heart: A Hazardous Balance
When it comes to action, *Absolution* offers viewers some anticipated shootout sequences, but these moments come across as poorly executed. For instance, an early shootout unfolds without any consequence in the form of police intervention, raising questions about the film’s realism. Audiences expecting a gripping thriller might find themselves disappointed as the film seemingly fails to strike the right balance between action and emotional engagement.
Moreover, the film’s pacing feels sluggish at times, stretched over a 122-minute runtime that could have benefited from tighter editing. Important thematic elements such as human trafficking are introduced only to be sidelined, ultimately feeling underdeveloped and lacking the resonance that such serious topics warrant.
Though *Absolution* is visually appealing, showcasing beautiful vistas of Boston, it’s hard to ignore that picturesque landscapes alone cannot salvage a lackluster script. The cinematography provides a fresh backdrop to the film’s otherwise tired tropes, yet even this aspect can’t elevate the narrative’s failure to innovate.
Ultimately, *Absolution* stands as a stark reminder that even seasoned actors like Liam Neeson can find themselves in projects that fail to inspire. As the film grapples with familiar themes of redemption and lost familial connections, it serves more as a reiteration of past narratives rather than an exploration of new dimensions within that framework. For viewers hoping for innovative storytelling or rich character development, *Absolution* may be a venture better skipped. Audiences are left with the sense that sometimes, even the most compelling stars do not shine brightly enough to transform a mediocre script into a memorable cinematic experience.