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Absolution

Absolution

Everyone pays in the end.

2024112 minRMidcredits score: 14th percentile of all films
Director
Hans Petter Moland
Starring
Liam Neeson, Ron Perlman, Yolonda Ross, Frankie Shaw

An aging ex-boxer gangster working as muscle for a Boston crime boss receives an upsetting diagnosis. Despite a faltering memory, he attempts to rectify the sins of his past and reconnect with his estranged children. He is determined to leave a positive legacy for his grandson, but the criminal underworld isn’t done with him and won’t loosen their grip willingly.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Absolution?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Absolution streaming on Hulu and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Absolution?

Absolution earns 5 badges, led by Overhyped and Box Office Flop.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Absolution worth watching?

Absolution's Midcredits score is the 14th percentile of all films, from 25K ratings across 6 sources. 20% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

14th percentile

Better received than 14% of films

25th percentile among Action15th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)23rd
Approval (how many liked it)9th

53 /100

23rd percentile of all films

36th percentile among Action26th percentile among 2020s

Critics 51 · Audience 53

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

Approval

How many liked it

20% liked it

9th percentile of all films

16th percentile among Action10th percentile among 2020s
20% rated it 7–1080% rated it 1–6

Critics 56% · Audience 32%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

91st percentile

25K ratings across platforms

84th percentile among Action92nd percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 31% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$30M
Opening weekend$1.4M
Domestic gross$2.7M
Worldwide gross$4M

Returned 0.1× its budget — 48th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree that the film is a slow-paced character drama focused on aging, memory loss, and family, not a traditional action movie.

Fans praised

  • Liam Neeson's emotionally layered performance as a vulnerable, regretful gangster
  • Thoughtful exploration of aging, memory loss, and family reconciliation
  • Refreshing slow-burn drama with a melancholic, humanistic tone

Detractors panned

  • Boring and poorly paced, with little action and a meandering script
  • Underdeveloped characters, clichéd gangster tropes, and a forgettable story
  • Incoherent editing and disjointed narrative that fails to engage

What stands out

ActingDivisive68

Neeson's raw, vulnerable performance as a fading gangster; supporting cast called flat or miscast

AtmosphereDivisive65

Doomy, melancholic world of lowlifes; some find it oppressive, others immersive

Emotional impactDivisive60

Fans moved by regret and estrangement; detractors call it miserably flat

CharactersDivisive45

Fans see Neeson's character as fleshed-out; detractors call daughter and mob boss clichéd and underdeveloped

Plot and storyDivisive40

Overly familiar redemption arc with messy, half-baked storylines

DialogueDivisive35

Expository, cliché-laden lines; some fans note naturalism in quiet moments

OriginalityDivisive30

Derivative of countless aging-hitman dramas; fans appreciate shift from typical Neeson action

PacingDivisive30

Extremely slow, patient build; some fans find it rewarding, most detractors call it boring

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Absolution like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its material with grave, melancholic sincerity, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe push-pull between past violence and attempted reconnection suggests a tense, melancholic atmosphere that builds to an emotionally heavy climax.
StructureThe story progresses linearly from diagnosis to attempted reconciliation to violent climax, with no structural gimmicks.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers as a meditation on wasted life and the slim chance of late redemption, leaving a mix of sadness and tentative hope.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows an aging gangster who, after a CTE diagnosis, tries to make amends with his estranged daughter while being pulled back into criminal violence, culminating in a noble death that redeems his past.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsFamily bonds
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about a man trying to earn back his moral standing by reconnecting with his estranged children amid a violent past.
StanceThe film appears to grieve what the protagonist has lost (his family, his morality) and the price of his past, rather than celebrating or satirizing it.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Kaspar Kaae
SettingA city's criminal underworld, likely in an American urban environment.
MusicThe score by Kaspar Kaae likely underscores the brooding and violent atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Absolution okay for kids?

R

Absolution is rated R: “Rated R for violence, language throughout, some sexual content/nudity and drug use” (MPAA). As of October 26, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at moderate (52/100), language at severe (88/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (81/100) and frightening material at intense (79/100). Its drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 88% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 17 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • CL14
  • ID17+
  • Israel14
  • LTN-16
  • MexicoD
  • Netherlands16
  • RO15
  • Russia18+
  • South Africa16
  • Spain18
  • TH15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 92% of all filmsHeavier than 88% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 57%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 88%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language and violence. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Absolution have?

MovieCove's classifier found 9 depicted content warnings in Absolution: Gun violence (severe), Addiction or relapse (moderate), Gore or body horror (moderate), Kidnapping or confinement (moderate), Sexual violence (moderate), Animal death (mild), plus 3 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Drug overdose. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGun violence
ModerateAddiction or relapseGore or body horrorKidnapping or confinementSexual violence
MildAnimal death
MentionedDrug overdose

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Absolution?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Liam Neeson
as Thug
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ron Perlman
as Charlie Conner
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Yolonda Ross
as Woman
Frankie Shaw
as Daisy
Best so far: Their highest-reaching film role to date — the title is too recent to say more.
Daniel Diemer
as Kyle Conner
Jimmy Gonzales
as Diego Machado
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Josh Drennen
as Thug's Dad
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Deanna Tarraza
as Araceli
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Terrence Pulliam
as Dre
Tom Kemp
as Burt

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Absolution?

Movies like Absolution include What Doesn't Kill You (2008), Panic (2000) and Honest Thief (2020). Of the 12 closest matches, half are stories about gangsters, and most are redemption stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: the criminal underworld. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Absolution?

1K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: gangster. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.