Absolution: A Lackluster Addition to Liam Neeson’s Action Legacy

Date: October 30, 2024

With the release of Absolution, I find myself reflecting on Liam Neeson’s decades-spanning career as an action star. This latest film positions Neeson in the shoes of a Boston mob enforcer grappling with memory loss, yet this portrayal struggles to resonate within the confines of its narrative ambitions.

Liam Neeson as a troubled mob enforcer in Absolution.

A Departure from Action Thrill

Neeson, at 72, has hinted at winding down his action-packed roles after a prolific run that began with Taken in 2008. Each new film seems to echo a farewell to the genre that embraced him, and Absolution unfortunately offers little more than a tepid farewell. Directed by Hans Petter Moland, who previously collaborated with Neeson on Cold Pursuit, this film lacks the quirky charm that characterized their last project. Instead, it feels more like a somber dirge than the dynamic action piece we might expect from a Neeson vehicle.

The narrative, penned by Tony Gayton, attempts to weave a tapestry reminiscent of Christopher Nolan’s Memento, yet it ultimately unravels into a familiar handwringing over the past. Neeson’s character, suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) due to his violent past, juggles the grim realities of his life while seeking redemption.

A Struggle for Redemption

The storyline follows Neeson’s character, who remains unnamed throughout the film, as he navigates through nightmarish memories of his son’s overdose, mixed with the day-to-day challenges of his chaotic life. He wrestles with the ghosts of his past while trying to leave a legacy for his estranged daughter and grandson.

However, what might have been a deep exploration of personal redemption is reduced to a series of formulaic tropes seen frequently in this genre. Neeson’s romantic subplot, involving a chance meeting with a troubled sex worker played by Yolonda Ross, hints at a poignant connection that deserves to be explored more thoroughly. Instead, the film shuffles between clichés, robbing viewers of meaningful engagement.

“There’s a kernel of something soulful and interesting in the romance between the two battered souls, but the distractions of grandkid and gangsters take away from this subplot.”

The Impact of Weak Writing

Despite his earnest portrayal, Neeson’s performance can’t salvage the film’s lackluster script. The dialogue and character development seem thin, leaving no room for genuine insights into either the mob world or the character’s deep-seated struggles. It almost feels disrespectful to a talent like Neeson, whose considerable skills are stifled by a narrative lacking depth or fresh perspectives.

The film’s attempts at humor and high stakes fall flat. Our protagonist is bogged down by his afflictions, including the absurdities of his interactions with antagonists, which dilute the tension rather than enhance it. The film takes its time, but instead of building suspense, it meanders aimlessly, echoing a memory that fades before it registers.

Confronting the shadows of his past.

Final Thoughts

As a longtime admirer of Neeson’s work, it pains me to say that Absolution might only be a footnote in his action legacy. It’s the kind of film that students of cinema might reference in essays on genre decline, rather than one that will be cherished by fans. Just as the tortured protagonist seeks closure, it seems that audiences may seek closure with Neeson’s action phase altogether.

In conclusion, while there are moments of genuine human connection glimpsed through the hazy narrative, they remain overshadowed by the film’s myriad shortcomings. One can only hope that Neeson’s next endeavor will allow him to shine in a narrative that truly matches the depth of his abilities.

Watch the Trailer

For those intrigued, Absolution opens in theaters this Friday, and one can only hope that this experience sparks a return to form for the beleaguered action star, rather than more disappointments in the genre we’ve come to adore for its unique potency.