‘Absolution’ is a Moderately Decent, Forgettable Exploration of a Gangster with Memory Loss

Absolution

★ ★ ★

‘Absolution’ takes a look at aging through the eyes of a ruthless gangster named Thug (Liam Neeson). We meet him at around 70-years-old near the end of a long, dependable career working for his boss Charlie Conner (Ron Perlman). Thug’s resume includes bagman, courrier and enforcer. He’s someone Charlie depends on and trusts implicitly.

Thug’s ability to continue working for Charlie comes into question when he begins to notice memory issues. At the start of the story, the problems has yet to affect his work, but a visit to a doctor reveals he’s afflicted with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). It’s an irreversible brain disorder caused by repeated head injuries. Given that Thug was once a promising boxer – and given his current line of work – this makes sense.

Liam Neeson gets a diagnosis
© 2024 Sony Pictures

Thug tries to keep his diagnosis from Charlie in order to keep working as long as his body will allow. He tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter, played by Frankie Shaw, whose film credit comes without a character name, and grandson Dre (Terrence Pulliam). His daughter wants nothing to do with him, but to his credit, he keeps trying.

Thug also finds a girlfriend, played by Yolonda Ross, also listed without a character name. He struggles connecting with her though she wants to develop a deeper relationship.

Liam Neeson as Thug
© 2024 Sony Pictures

This movie is a slow-burn, crime-drama character study that works at the most basic levels. Neeson presents a character struggling to atone for his past while finding ways to move forward with his family in the little time he has left. That’s the gist. It’s a simple, straightforward plot.

The tone is gritty and dreary. The film drags some elements out longer than it should and cuts away from others sooner than it should. This makes it feel longer than its nearly 2-hour runtime.

Liam Neeson and Terrence Pulliam
© 2024 Sony Pictures

The script does a decent job of showing Thug going through his memory loss, advancing more as the film progresses. It’s an interesting premise that could have been explored more thoroughly.

In the end, it’s Neeson’s performance that carries the film and keeps it mostly interesting and moderately engaging. It’s likely a film you’ll see once and quickly forget, which probably isn’t the filmmakers’ intention.

Crime, Drama, Action, Mystery & Thriller