After discovering that a serial killer stages victims with saint cards, Detective Sofia Alvarez follows the trail into a church besieged by corruption — and into a priest’s private war with trauma, guilt and a decision to stop predators by any means...

SYNOPSIS:

Absolution is a gripping thriller set in a rain-soaked city where the boundaries of faith, justice, and morality blur within the corridors of power. The story revolves around Father Michael Donnelly, a tormented priest with a military past, who becomes a vigilante after hearing confessions that reveal horrific child abuse within the church. Haunted by his experiences as an Army chaplain in Iraq, where he witnessed atrocities that shattered his faith, Michael takes it upon himself to deliver lethal justice to abusers, staging their bodies with saint cards as symbols of their sins. This vigilante campaign, dubbed the "Mercy Killer" by the media, exposes the church's deep-seated corruption and inaction.

As the killings escalate, Detective Sofia Alvarez, a sharp and dedicated homicide investigator, leads the case. Alvarez is drawn into a complex web of clues that point to a killer with intimate knowledge of church rituals and military precision. Her investigation uncovers a pattern of abuse cover-ups, bringing her into conflict with the church hierarchy, particularly Monsignor Dalton, a polished official who prioritizes institutional reputation over truth. Alvarez's pursuit is personal; she's committed to protecting the vulnerable, and her encounters with Michael reveal a shared frustration with a system that fails the innocent. Meanwhile, Sister Agnes, a compassionate nun at Michael's parish, serves as a voice of conscience, urging restraint and highlighting the human cost of vengeance.

The narrative builds tension through a series of intense confrontations and revelations. Michael's vigilante acts begin with a calculated killing in a warehouse, where he confronts a known abuser, and evolve into more public displays that challenge the church's authority. Alvarez's stakeouts and interviews bring her closer to the truth, including anonymous tips from Michael himself, creating a moral tug-of-war. Flashbacks to Michael's military service deepen his character, showing a man broken by war and faith, while Dalton's efforts to suppress the scandal add layers of intrigue and deceit. As the body count rises, the story explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the price of silence, with Michael's actions forcing a city-wide reckoning.

The climax unfolds in a dramatic standoff at the cathedral, where Michael broadcasts his confession over the PA system, exposing years of church cover-ups and sparking a media frenzy. This act of defiance leads to his capture and the beginning of institutional reform, but not without significant personal and communal cost. Alvarez must navigate the fallout, balancing her duty with the ethical implications of Michael's crusade. The film delves into the psychological toll of vigilantism and the corruption within trusted institutions, ending on a note of uneasy resolution as leaked documents prompt widespread investigations and calls for change.

Absolution is a pulse-pounding tale that examines the human heart in conflict, blending suspenseful action with profound moral questions. It portrays a world where mercy and justice are at odds, and one man's quest for atonement ripples through society, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power and protection.

ABSOLUTION