Saagar Kote
‘Absolution’ follows an old gangster whose life turns upside down when he is diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Known as the ‘Thug’ in his circle, he now finds himself facing a progressive neurological condition that threatens his sanity and memory. Realizing the cost of long years of violence, he attempts to connect with his estranged daughter and grandson again. As the gangster pursues familial bonds, the Boston underworld is not done with him yet. The crime drama directed by Hans Petter Moland portrays the emotional turbulence of a violent man who must weigh the consequences of his past actions and hopefully attain atonement through good deeds. The storyline consists of urban aesthetics, street-level conflicts, and dark themes of the Boston criminal world that play a key role in the film’s overall feel.
Absolution Filming Locations
‘Absolution’ is shot entirely in Massachusetts, particularly in Winthrop, Boston, and Norwood. Principal photography for the Liam Neeson reportedly got underway in October 2022 and continued for the next couple of months before wrapping up in December of the same year.
Winthrop, Massachusetts
Winthrop is a small town located near the Boston Harbor, with a very small population. The coastal suburban charm of the town serves as an ideal space for the setting of the protagonist’s life. The scenes featuring the lead character in his residence are shot in and around a house on Foam Street in Winthrop. Overlooking the harbor, it provides a sense of authenticity to the portrayal of his life. The town of Winthrop served as the location for a majority of the filming due to its proximity to Boston and the lead characters being shown to live there.
In an interview with Peter Gray, director Hans Petter Moland opined that Liam Neeson is a very hardworking actor who gives his all to the filming process and all his efforts. He wanted to treat the protagonist’s health condition seriously and not use it just as a plot device. Moland expressed his desire to keep the film grounded and not fall into the trap of a gratifying action film, hoping to change the rules of the genre in whatever way he could. According to him, the action set pieces are there to add something to the narrative, and not just for the sake of delivering thrills.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a popular location for gangster films, given its history and aesthetics. The neighborhood of Allston serves as the setting for a number of scenes in the film, particularly outdoor shots. The neighborhood is also known for its culture, clubs, and restaurants. In an interview with Tyler Treese, Liam Neeson opined that he has done several action films, but he liked the idea of a burnt-out gangster in the film. He said that there was a need to grow a mustache, sideburns, and wear old-fashioned leather jackets because the script led to it. Neeson also throws light on the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, his character’s health condition, and the effect it has on people.
PURO Ceviche Bar, located at 264 Newbury Street, serves as an important spot for several sequences. The place is known for its crudo, ceviche and Latin-inspired dishes that are served in a space of whitewashed brick & graffiti art. Deer Island, a peninsula in Boston, has been a part of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park since 1996. Certain shots featuring the Boston skyline are likely shot in this space. Besides ‘Absolution,’ Boston has hosted the production of other films like ‘The Departed,’ ‘The Town,’ ‘Mystic River,’ and ‘Black Mass.’
Norwood, Massachusetts
The idyllic town of Norwood is known for its art, history, and architecture. Oak View, also known as the Governor Allen Mansion, is a Victorian mansion built in 1873, located at 289 Walpole Street in Norwood. It was originally constructed for Francis Olney Winslow and later served as the residence of Massachusetts Governor Frank G. Allen and his wife, Clara Winslow Allen. A scene featuring the protagonist making a delivery and driving a truck to a rich man’s mansion was presumably shot here.
