Liam Neeson Absolution must-watch movie recommendations are gaining momentum as fans look ahead to his unexpected comic performance in the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot, set to premiere in theatres in August 2025. Before Neeson unveils a new side as Drebin Jr., cinema fans should revisit Absolution, his 2024 crime drama that stands apart for its emotional depth and distinct portrayal of vulnerability.
Why Absolution Deserves a Spot on Your Watchlist
Released in November 2024, Absolution places Liam Neeson in the role of an aging mobster battling Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), illustrating both a physical and emotional struggle as he seeks redemption. Unlike his well-known action roles, Neeson’s character is tormented by memories of violence and strives to reconnect with his estranged daughter and grandson. This journey through guilt and longing crafts a different kind of dramatic hero—one striving for forgiveness rather than revenge.
The film’s understated and quiet intensity has set it apart from many contemporary thrillers. Despite a modest box office of $4.2 million, Absolution resonates for its exploration of flawed family relationships. The protagonist is no longer the reliable father familiar from previous Neeson blockbusters. Instead, he is exposed, attempting to fix the fissures of the past in a slow-burning narrative that values emotional complexity.
Liam Neeson’s performance, alongside a talented cast, adds further realism to the story’s interwoven timelines and tense confrontations. Although the movie was initially seen as just another entry in his action portfolio, its compelling plot and nuanced acting make it a must-watch, particularly for those who appreciate stories of personal redemption. With its availability on Hulu in the USA, Absolution is easily accessible for anyone interested in seeing this overlooked facet of Neeson’s repertoire.
Liam Neeson’s Shift from Gritty Drama to Outright Comedy
Following his intense portrayal in Absolution, Neeson is poised for a career pivot into full-fledged comedy with The Naked Gun, a reboot directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth McFarlane under Fuzzy Door Productions. After the original reboot plan began developing in 2013, the project has now taken shape, moving away from the legacy sequel direction and opting for a full redesign of the franchise’s comedic core.
The new movie, expected to release on August 1, 2025, started filming in Atlanta on May 6, 2024, operating under the temporary working title Law of Toughness. Shooting wrapped up by June 28. Neeson, who plays Drebin Jr., joins a cast that includes Pamela Anderson, Danny Huston, Liza Koshy, Kevin Durand, Paul Walter Hauser, and WWE star Cody Rhodes. This varied ensemble, coupled with Neeson’s leading role, signals a blend of legacy and fresh talent for the reboot.
Neeson openly discussed his nerves about embracing a sustained comedic performance, even as he’s previously appeared in comedic cameos. In describing this new challenge, he said:
I’m slightly nervous of it. A little Stephen Colbert sketch or Ricky Gervais, I’m okay because it’s short. But a whole film, we’ll see. We’ll see.
—Liam Neeson, speaking to Decider
Transitioning from the somber, emotionally charged Absolution to the high-energy humor of The Naked Gun highlights Neeson’s versatility. Characters in Absolution wrestle with mortality and the pains of the past, while the upcoming comedy will require Neeson to maintain impeccable comedic timing.
The Overlooked Bridge in Neeson’s Filmography
The move from an intense family man battling personal demons to a slapstick detective embodies Neeson’s remarkable range. Absolution, previously bypassed by audiences expecting high-stakes action, stands out as the transitional work in his career. It offers an intimate look at a man seeking solace and a second chance amid the aftermath of crime, serving as the emotional prelude before Neeson’s wild transformation in The Naked Gun.
Liam Neeson has long avoided being typecast as just an action hero, and his willingness to take risks with these contrasting projects proves his commitment to challenging roles. For fans of Neeson, Danny Huston, Paul Walter Hauser, and Pamela Anderson, or for those who appreciate complex characters and transformation, Absolution provides a chance to see a different shade of Neeson before his return to comedy in a theatrical setting.
For anyone drawn to stories that combine redemption, family, and slow-building suspense, Liam Neeson Absolution must-watch movie recommendations ring true—a film that merits attention before Neeson dazzles in the comedic spotlight as Drebin Jr. in The Naked Gun. Don’t miss this critical chapter, available now to stream in the USA, before witnessing his unexpected humor on the big screen next summer.
