Escape From Absolom
In the near future, the most extreme cases of criminals are sent to a secret island called Absolom. There, two groups live independently. There are the ‘Insiders’ a group of peaceful men trying to lead better lives – led by ‘The Father.
There are also the ‘Outsiders’ a group of cannibalistic primitives who live hostile, violent, led by mercenary Walter Marek.
Robbins is the newest arrival to Absolom, and is desperate to return home to civilisation in order to write some wrongs of his past. He quickly escapes Marek and his men, and finds himself with the Insiders.
Direction
Martin Campbell’s direction here is sound. I’ve written poorly about him in the past, but here he does well with the ability to show the vast differences of the ‘future’ of 2022 (this film was made in 1994) and then the primitive island life.
There is plenty of action too, and the gore/violence is done fairly realistically – and with some very ‘ouch’ moments (such as ‘now that’s funny’)
Cast/Characters
the late great Ray Liotta plays Robbins, who was in his heyday – having come off such films as Goodfellas. He does well as both a lead, and quite believable as the ‘action star’
Stuart Wilson is great as the bad guy, and it seemed he was the pinnacle bad guy of the 1990s (Lethal Weapon 3, Mask of Zorro). I had no idea that he was British until this year, his American accent is so spot on.
Other cast members include Lance Henriksen as The Father, Ernie Hudson as Hawkins – the head of security, Kevin Dillon as Casey – the cliche young inexperienced, and Michael Lerner as The Wardon.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
The Insiders v Outsiders conflict is done well enough, but as it’s mentioned early on that there are over 600 Outsiders to the Insiders 98 – some of the battles feel like they would be over in minutes in reality.
The conflict between Marek and The Father is only very briefly touched on, and I wish we had more of them together – especially given the powerhouses behind the characters playing them.
Robbins initial time at the first dystopian prison, although brief – feels redundant – especially given how quickly they send him to Absolom after so little. Some of this should have been omitted, and he should have been sent almost directly.
Based on the novel The Penal Colony by Richard Herley.
Overall
Still a fun action/adventure/thriller even 30+ years later, and now passed the year it it was set in!
Also known as No Escape, I still enjoyed this all these years later.
3.5/5
If you’re able to, please “buy me a coffee”