Absolution (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Absolution is a 2024 action thriller directed by Hans Petter Moland, starring Liam Neeson, Ron Perlman and Tom Kemp. It runs 1 hour 52 minutes and earned $4 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. Critics gave it 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 52m (112 min)
- Director
- Hans Petter Moland
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Budget
- $30M
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Absolution About?
The premise of Absolution without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
A fading mafia boss desperately tries to reconnect with his estranged family. While attempting to dismantle a rival gang, he discovers it's far more difficult to escape the criminal underworld and build a new life.
Absolution Themes & Keywords
· 14 tags- american film directed by norwegian director
- gangster crime
- one word title
- memory loss
- neo noir
- mixed race child
- grandfather grandson relationship
- chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- interracial relationship
- abusive father
- father daughter relationship
- mob enforcer
+2 more Show fewer
- interracial romance
- male protagonist
Absolution Cast & Characters
Liam Neeson leads the cast, with Ron Perlman and Tom Kemp as Burt. Directed by Hans Petter Moland; 15 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Hans Petter Moland
-
Liam Neeson -
Ron Perlman -
Tom Kemp as Burt -
Frankie Shaw
Also Starring in Absolution
· 11 more- Levon Panek Huge Dude
- Josh Drennen
- Ryan Homchick Dr. Gruber
- Yolonda Ross
- William Xifaras Kiko
- Kate Avallone Neurologist
- Marilyn Swick Dinner Guest
- Michael Giannone Gangbanger Soldier
- Ryan Caraway George
- Daniel Diemer
- Bruce Busta Soscia Tommy
Absolution Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Absolution 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 48/100, strongest in art & craft (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).
Absolution Echo Score Breakdown
Absolution delivers a moody aesthetic and a solid lead performance but is undermined by a formulaic narrative and inconsistent pacing. The visual presentation and Hans Petter Moland’s measured direction earn praise for their atmospheric grit and tonal cohesion. However, critics commonly point to a largely cliché screenplay that rehashes familiar action tropes and slows under its loose structure. Overall, the film emerges as a mixed outing that may satisfy dedicated genre viewers but offers limited lasting resonance.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 60
In terms of art and craft, the film’s visual design and direction offer a consistently moody atmosphere but reveal a lack of visual dynamism. The grainy New England setting and measured compositions are praised for their tonal coherence and gritty aesthetic. Yet some observers find the palette overly drab and underutilized in key sequences. Overall, the visual approach is distinctive but uneven.
- Character & Emotion 50
When it comes to character and emotion, the film features a committed central performance but provides limited depth across its ensemble. Liam Neeson’s portrayal is frequently noted for its nuance and the genuine weariness he brings. Meanwhile, several supporting figures exhibit authentic moments but suffer from underdeveloping and a lack of convincing chemistry. Overall, the cast offers brief resonance without sustained emotional engagement.
- Story & Flow 40
In terms of story and flow, the film struggles with a formulaic structure and uneven pacing. Critics point to familiar action tropes and loose narrative threads that slow momentum and undermine cohesion. Although occasional shifts in tone offer a brief sense of freshness, these moments are overshadowed by dragging sequences and predictable developments. Overall, the plot frequently feels rehashed and fails to sustain engagement.
- Sensory Experience 60
In terms of sensory experience, the film offers an atmospheric soundtrack and solid sound design but varies in visual impact. The moody score and crisp audio cues consistently reinforce the somber tone and heighten dramatic sequences. At the same time, a muted lighting palette and toned-down cinematography sometimes yield indistinct imagery. Overall, the audio atmosphere is strong, while visual clarity is intermittently compromised.
- Rewatch Factor 30
Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s limited originality and uneven pacing diminish its long-term appeal. Many observers describe the narrative as forgettable and note that its repetitive tropes reduce incentive for repeat viewings. Although the lead performance retains a degree of interest, supporting elements and structure lack the depth needed for ongoing engagement. Overall, the film offers minimal replay value beyond an initial watch.
-
IMDb 5.2 /10
11012 votes
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 51 Metascore
User score 4.7
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 59% User score
See on TMDB
Absolution Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Absolution from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
A retired aging mobster and boxer known as Thug works for Gangster Charlie Connor, alongside Charlie’s son Kyle, who is still learning the ropes and trying to master the tricks of the trade. Thug guides Kyle through the rough world of transferring goods and the murky details surrounding them, all while staying firmly on the margins of legality. Thug lives alone, and for a long while, his memory has been failing him; soon he is diagnosed with CTE, with the grim prognosis that dementia will erase the things he once relied on within a short span of time.
Full summary
The whole story of Absolution, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Absolution Box Office & Budget
Absolution grossed $4 million worldwide on a $30 million budget, 13% of what it cost. $2.7 million came from the US and Canada and $1.3 million (33%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$4M
13% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $2.7M
- International
- $1.3M
- Budget
- $30M
Absolution Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 clip.
- Trailer Official UK Trailer
- Clip 10 Minute Extended Preview
How Well Do You Know Absolution?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name given to the retired aging mobster and boxer who serves as the protagonist?
Cars in Absolution
28 cars on screen, including the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu and the Freightliner Business Class M2 106.
-
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Main role -
Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Important role -
2021 Tesla Model S Important role -
2021 Dodge Challenger Minor role
Absolution Also Known As
27 alternative titles, including “Thugs” and “Thug”.
- Also known as
-
- Thugs
- Thug
- Implacable
- بخشایش
- آمرزش
- Absolución
- Прощення
- Absolution - Everyone pays in the end
- 惡棍父親
- Absolvição
- Último Alvo
- Absolution: Storia Criminale
+15 more Show fewer
- Спокута гріхів
- 恶棍父亲
- Профессионал
- คนสันดานเดือด
- אין מחילה
- Rozgrzeszenie
- Atpildas
- Feloldozás
- Изкупление, ცოდვების მიტევება
- Răzbunarea asasinului
- 앱솔루션
- Oprost
- Chuộc Lỗi
- Спокута
- Absolution - Storia criminale
Seen Absolution?
Movies Like Absolution
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Absolution, Avengement and Xtreme.
Articles About Absolution
Our article about Absolution: “Absolution Review: User and Critic Opinions on Reception and Performance (2024)”.
-
Opinions
Absolution FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Absolution, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Absolution?
Absolution runs 1 hour 52 minutes (112 minutes).
When was Absolution released?
Absolution was released on November 1, 2024.
Who directed Absolution?
Absolution was directed by Hans Petter Moland.
More films by Hans Petter Moland Who is in the cast of Absolution?
Absolution stars Liam Neeson, Ron Perlman and Tom Kemp as Burt, among 15 credited actors.
How much did Absolution make at the box office?
Absolution grossed $4 million worldwide ($2.7 million domestic, $1.3 million international) on a budget of $30 million.
How is Absolution rated?
Absolution has 5.2/10 on IMDb, 51 on Metacritic and 59% on TMDB.
Does Absolution have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Absolution has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
