Liam Neeson has long been known for his commanding presence on screen, a quality that has elevated many a film. However, with his latest project, “Absolution,” one might question whether this strength is enough to elevate a somewhat tired narrative. The film, directed by Hans Petter Moland and penned by Tony Gayton, embodies a familiar storyline that circles around the archetype of the flawed protagonist seeking redemption. Neeson’s character, an aging gangster grappling with his past life of crime, attempts to reconcile with his estranged daughter, a narrative path that feels well-trodden in the realm of crime thrillers.
In “Absolution,” the plot unfolds as Neeson’s character—merely known as Thug—receives a terminal diagnosis, igniting his desire to mend fences with his daughter, Daisy, portrayed by Frankie Shaw. This emotional motivation reveals a fundamental aspect of the narrative: the urgent need for redemption before it’s too late. While such a plot can yield profound storytelling, here it often feels more like a checklist of conventions than a deep dive into the intricate dynamics of human relationships disrupted by poor choices.
While the film explores Thug’s attempts to reconnect with Daisy, the emotional depth required to make this journey resonate with audiences is notably absent. Thug’s relationship with Daisy is marred by clichés; she is a single mother facing eviction who works as a stripper, characters that seem hastily put together without sufficient development. Instead of feeling like a genuine portrayal of the challenges faced by working-class individuals, their circumstances are reduced to plot devices, missing the complex emotional landscapes that real-life narratives often present.
Moreover, the film’s handling of secondary characters, including those belonging to the LGBTQ community, is disheartening. Thug’s revelation about his late son’s sexuality is a moment filled with potential for poignant storytelling, yet it is scarcely explored; the focus shifts quickly, leaving viewers yearning for a richer exploration. What could have been a significant commentary on acceptance and understanding—a familiar thread in Neeson’s wide-ranging body of work—does not unfold into a meaningful dialogue, instead fizzling into an unfulfilled subplot.
Another troubling aspect is how the film trivializes serious social issues such as human trafficking. The character of Thug unwittingly becomes embroiled in this crisis, only to later develop a moral compass that leads him to save a woman from a dire situation. However, the film hardly gives her character a fleshed-out backstory, reducing her to a mere plot point rather than an individual deserving of empathy and understanding. Her fate, following a shocking act of violence, underscores the film’s tendency to treat potentially impactful themes lightly, undermining any depth the narrative aims to achieve.
Action scenes, a staple in Neeson’s repertoire, appear to lack the intensity and thoughtfulness necessary to engage the audience fully. The shootouts lack the tension one would expect and, at times, feel disjointed from the overarching narrative. What could be a showcase of Neeson’s action hero prowess becomes diluted by a lack of coherent pacing and engagement with the audience’s emotional investment.
In summation, “Absolution” presents a promise of thrilling storytelling and character-driven narratives commonly associated with Liam Neeson films; unfortunately, it fails to deliver on those fronts. The familiar tropes of redemption and familial relationships are presented but not explored with sufficient depth, leaving much to be desired. While there are moments of beauty, like the scenic shots of Boston, they are overshadowed by a lack of fulfillment regarding character arcs and social commentary. For fans looking for a journey of emotional transformation, “Absolution” may fall short, urging viewers to reconsider their expectations as they navigate a film that struggles to find its footing amid a labyrinth of well-worn storytelling.
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