Absolution Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Absolution Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 11, 2025

While firmly committed to taking fat paychecks to star in mediocre thrillers and actioners, Liam Neeson has recently detoured into more interesting work, portraying a conflicted assassin in the Irish film, “In the Land of Saints and Sinners.” The picture presented his best performance in years, offering Neeson a chance to do something a bit different in a more character-based part. He continues this thespian journey in “Absolution,” which reunites Neeson with his “Cold Pursuit” director, Hans Petter Moland, tasked with portraying an aging enforcer suffering from a brain injury confronted by all the mistakes in his life, attempting to find a way to do some good again. “Absolution” has a few moments of violent confrontations, but it’s mostly about a psychological and emotional odyssey, giving Neeson room to feel out all the pain and confusion in screenwriter Tony Gayton’s flawed but reasonably detailed study of regret.

Thug (Liam Neeson) has been working for criminal kingpin Charlie (Ron Perlman) for 30 years, newly partnered with the gangster’s son, Kyle (Daniel Diemer), as they embark on new jobs for the old man. A former boxer and current alcoholic, Thug stays quiet until he needs to get loud, privately handling memory issues as he tries to keep himself together. He finds a lover in Woman (Yolanda Ross) and establishes a routine in his work, but health issues are worsening. Diagnosed with CTE, Thug is struck by the reality of the situation, realizing he has few tomorrows left. He reaches out to his estranged daughter, Daisy (Frankie Shaw), trying to make amends for leaving her long ago, and he’s introduced to his grandson, Dre (Terrence Pulliam), hoping to create a relationship with the boy. Haunted by his memories and growing more confused by the day, Thug realizes the severity of his employment, endeavoring to make positive changes in his own way.

Thug is an old man in the shifting world of crime, and the writing provides an understanding of his seasoning when he’s paired with Kyle, who’s trying to develop gangster skills to take over the family business. Kyle is young and stupid, always favoring carelessness as he takes command of courier jobs for dangerous types. Thug doesn’t back down from a challenge, and we learn he’s not a fan of bullies, meeting Woman in a bar after he knocks out her abusive boyfriend. Once a boxer, Thug still remains connected to the sport and his local gym, but punches to the head are far more dangerous these days, leaving the old pugilist disoriented, struggling to make sense of everyday details, including names and locations. “Absolution” sets a grim mood right away, and Moland moves slowly with the picture, staying close to Thug as all his little problems suddenly become major issues for him.

“Absolution” tries to balance the intimacy of Thug’s illness and the intensity of his lifestyle. The screenplay creates father issues for the character, who experiences dreams where he’s reunited with his tough dad on the water, on a surreal fishing excursion that taps into private pain. Thug is also disarmed by Woman, a kindly person who genuinely enjoys the brute, eager to get to know a man who wants to be forgotten. And there’s Daisy, who’s understandably bitter about her upbringing, refusing to even meet her parent after he contacts her, hoping to reconnect while he still has some memory left. “Absolution” isn’t particularly original, but the feelings in play are understood, following Thug’s reunion with vulnerability and guilt, and Neeson captures quiet moments of horror skillfully, finding the fear the character can no longer contain.

Absolution Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Absolution" does struggle a bit with compression issues, as mild banding is periodically found during the viewing experience. Detail is maintained, doing well with skin particulars, exploring age and wear and tear on the characters as they endure hardship and violence. Costuming retains texture. Interiors are dimensional, exploring living spaces and interesting places of business, including the depth of a fish market. Exteriors offer expanse during urban tours, getting a sense of locations. Dreamscape visits are also open for inspection. Colors are secure as the feature delivers a slightly muted sense of life, reflecting Thug's journey into despair. Brighter hues are found in lighting and business affairs, offering sharp primaries. More subtle magic hour colors are preserved, along with the bluish appearance of aquatic events. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Digital "grain" does have a slightly blockier appearance at times.

Absolution Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix deals with the delicate moods of "Absolution," which is a very quiet movie at times. Dialogue exchanges are clear, handling softer emotional events and more threatening encounters. Scoring maintains defined instrumentation and emphasis, securing milder surround support. Atmospherics are quite active, bringing the listener into bustling environments, including marketplaces and city streets. Sound effects are sharp, keeping gun play snappy. Low-end isn't challenged, but some weight is present with rumbling car engines and musical beats.

Absolution Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:08, HD) has been included.

Absolution Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's criminal activity in "Absolution," and a few of these side quests aren't completely necessary. Thug is hunted by assassins looking to take him out, giving Moland an opportunity to stage some action beats, which doesn't add to the flow of the picture. There's also a subplot concerning Thug's unknowing participation in human trafficking that's meant to add a fresh layer of purpose to the character, but it doesn't come through with enough dramatic urgency, feeling superfluous in the end. "Absolution" isn't always focused, yet it commits to a darker mood of reflection, more interested in behavior than formulaic challenges to Thug's renewed spirit. It's not feel-good cinema, as Moland stays on the jagged edges of Thug's decisions and bruised nobility, making for a compelling understanding of a wounded man coming to terms with his mortality.