Liam Neeson Violently Turns Against His Gangster Lifestyle In New Crime Movie

A trailer has been released for the upcoming movie Absolution. Absolution is a crime thriller starring Liam Neeson as a man who is an aging gangster wishing to reconnect with his children and fix his past errors, but is still drawn to a life of crime. The film is written by Tony Gayton and directed by Hans Petter Moland. In addition to Neeson, Absolution features a leading cast including Ron Perlman, Frankie Shaw, Daniel Diemer, Yolonda Ross, Omar Moustafa Ghonim, and William Xifaras.

Now, Samuel Goldwyn Films has released the trailer for Absolution.

The trailer begins with Neeson’s character visiting a doctor for headaches. After the doctor asked him if he has had concussions over the course of his life, the scene cuts away to reveal an action sequence of the character brutally fist fighting with others. As the Absolution trailer progresses, more personal details are revealed about the lead’s life, including that he has an estranged daughter and grandson. Though Neeson tries to break away from the negative side of his gangster life, he is still wrapped up in violence.

What The Absolution Trailer Reveals About The Film

Absolution Has An Element Of Family

A line in the Absolution trailer seems to fully sum up the protagonist’s character arc: “The only way for me to do something right is by doing something bad.” Throughout the glimpse the trailer gives, this seems to pan out to be true. The leading man may be breaking away from some of the more nefarious gang activity of his youth, but even in protecting people, he is willing to take violent means. He is also a man that resorts to violence in smaller-scale disputes as well, such as in a fight in a bar.

One of the most compelling elements of the Absolution trailer is the element of family that it portrays. Even though the character has clearly been separated from his daughter and grandson for a number of years, the grandson is seen accompanying him on some of his journeys. Carting him along, the lead warns him to not follow the same violent path as he did. As evidenced by the Taken series, Neeson has a knack for the family-driven action films, so this element will likely serve Absolution well.

Liam Neeson Is Having A Quietly Great Year

He Also Starred in In the Land of Sainst and Sinners

I’m hoping Absolution does well, because if so, it would make up for another underrated gem from the actor. In March 2024, the Irish film In the Land of Saints and Sinners was released, which gave another look at Neeson in the lead role. Despite fairly positive reviews, In the Land of Saints and Sinners did not have a big showing at the worldwide box office, bringing in just over $3 million. Absolution could be a great chance for Neeson to deliver another characteristically great performance, while also in a film that hopefully gets more exposure.

Source: Samuel Goldwyn Films