Absolute Power 1997

During a daring burglary at the home of billionaire Walter Sullivan, master jewel thief Luther Whitney inadvertently witnesses the tragic death of Christy Sullivan, beautifully portrayed by Melora Hardin. Christy, caught in a drunken encounter with none other than President Alan Richmond, faces a brutal assault at his hands. As Luther hides behind a one-way mirror, he sees Richmond’s violent actions escalate dramatically when Christy, retaliating, uses a letter opener in self-defense. However, chaos ensues when Secret Service agents Bill Burton and Tim Collin, believing her to be a threat, fatally shoot Christy. The situation is swiftly manipulated by Chief of Staff Gloria Russell to appear as though a burglar committed the crime.

The following day, Detective Seth Frank embarks on the complex investigation of this high-profile case. Aware of the impending pursuit, Luther plots his escape with forged passports, all while becoming the prime suspect due to his criminal history. However, Frank, holding certain doubts about Luther’s direct involvement in Christy’s murder, continues his inquiry. Luther’s resolve hardens upon witnessing President Richmond feigning sympathy on television. Feeling the weight of justice upon his shoulders, he chooses to confront the powerful figure responsible for Christy’s demise.

Meanwhile, Luther’s estranged daughter, Kate, who serves as a prosecutor, searches for evidence with Detective Frank. Upon discovering that Luther has covertly observed her over the years, she grapples with suspicion regarding her father’s innocence. Despite assurances of protection from Frank, a mole within their ranks, Burton, learns of their plans to trap Luther, and danger looms as a hitman is hired by Walter himself.

At an outdoor café where Luther meets Kate, two snipers — completely unaware of each other — attempt to take him out, but their marksman skills fail them. Seamlessly blending in, Luther evades capture while revealing the shocking truth about Christy’s murder to Kate. Intent on exposing Richmond, he engages in psychological games with Russell, sending her incriminating evidence while simultaneously keeping an eye on Kate. A treacherous plot unfolds as Richmond makes a deadly decision to eliminate Kate.

Just as chaos looms again, Luther narrowly saves Kate from an SUV driven by Collin, who then attempts to finish the job at the hospital. In a tense showdown, Luther protects his daughter by delivering his own brand of justice to Collin.

Luther deduces that Walter has been kept in the dark about Christy’s whereabouts on that fateful night. Through a clever ruse involving Walter’s chauffeur, Luther unveils the conspiracy surrounding Christy’s murder, showing Walter the very evidence that could bring Richmond to justice. Armed with the bloody letter opener and the truth, Walter finds the courage to confront the President.

In the midst of unfolding events, Frank discovers the remnants of betrayal and deceit that led to Burton’s suicide, using this evidence to take down Russell. The shocking news of Richmond’s purported suicide sends ripples through the media, closing the tragic chapter surrounding Christy’s murder.

As Luther keeps vigil over his daughter in the hospital, he reflects on their complicated past while sketching her likeness, hinting at a hopeful reconciliation and a possibility of new beginnings.