Year: 1997
Runtime: 121 min
Language: English
During a Christmas Eve break-in, Luther Whitney witnesses a compromising encounter between the President of the United States and the man’s wife. When a tragic event occurs, a young woman is killed in the ensuing chaos. Luther finds himself framed for the crime and must evade the Secret Service while working with a determined detective, Seth Frank, to expose a dangerous conspiracy and uncover the truth behind the president’s actions.
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During a daring burglary at the home of billionaire Walter Sullivan, master jewel thief Luther Whitney inadvertently witnesses the tragic death of Christy Sullivan, beautifully portrayed by Melora Hardin. Christy, caught in a drunken encounter with none other than President Alan Richmond, faces a brutal assault at his hands. As Luther hides behind a one-way mirror, he sees Richmond’s violent actions escalate dramatically when Christy, retaliating, uses a letter opener in self-defense. However, chaos ensues when Secret Service agents Bill Burton and Tim Collin, believing her to be a threat, fatally shoot Christy. The situation is swiftly manipulated by Chief of Staff Gloria Russell to appear as though a burglar committed the crime.
The following day, Detective Seth Frank embarks on the complex investigation of this high-profile case. Aware of the impending pursuit, Luther plots his escape with forged passports, all while becoming the prime suspect due to his criminal history. However, Frank, holding certain doubts about Luther’s direct involvement in Christy’s murder, continues his inquiry. Luther’s resolve hardens upon witnessing President Richmond feigning sympathy on television. Feeling the weight of justice upon his shoulders, he chooses to confront the powerful figure responsible for Christy’s demise.
Meanwhile, Luther’s estranged daughter, Kate, who serves as a prosecutor, searches for evidence with Detective Frank. Upon discovering that Luther has covertly observed her over the years, she grapples with suspicion regarding her father’s innocence. Despite assurances of protection from Frank, a mole within their ranks, Burton, learns of their plans to trap Luther, and danger looms as a hitman is hired by Walter himself.
At an outdoor café where Luther meets Kate, two snipers — completely unaware of each other — attempt to take him out, but their marksman skills fail them. Seamlessly blending in, Luther evades capture while revealing the shocking truth about Christy’s murder to Kate. Intent on exposing Richmond, he engages in psychological games with Russell, sending her incriminating evidence while simultaneously keeping an eye on Kate. A treacherous plot unfolds as Richmond makes a deadly decision to eliminate Kate.
Just as chaos looms again, Luther narrowly saves Kate from an SUV driven by Collin, who then attempts to finish the job at the hospital. In a tense showdown, Luther protects his daughter by delivering his own brand of justice to Collin.
Luther deduces that Walter has been kept in the dark about Christy’s whereabouts on that fateful night. Through a clever ruse involving Walter’s chauffeur, Luther unveils the conspiracy surrounding Christy’s murder, showing Walter the very evidence that could bring Richmond to justice. Armed with the bloody letter opener and the truth, Walter finds the courage to confront the President.
In the midst of unfolding events, Frank discovers the remnants of betrayal and deceit that led to Burton’s suicide, using this evidence to take down Russell. The shocking news of Richmond’s purported suicide sends ripples through the media, closing the tragic chapter surrounding Christy’s murder.
As Luther keeps vigil over his daughter in the hospital, he reflects on their complicated past while sketching her likeness, hinting at a hopeful reconciliation and a possibility of new beginnings.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 15:28
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
An average citizen stumbles upon a crime and becomes the target of powerful forces.Discover movies like 'Absolute Power' where a regular person sees something they shouldn't and must run from a powerful conspiracy. If you enjoyed the high-stakes chase and the theme of an individual against a corrupt system, you'll find similar tense and suspenseful thrillers in this list.
The narrative typically begins with an accidental discovery that immediately puts the protagonist in life-threatening danger. As they are hunted, they must piece together clues while evading capture, often forming an uneasy alliance with a skeptical outsider. The story builds towards a confrontation that reveals the conspiracy, though justice may be served in morally complex or bittersweet ways.
These films are grouped by their shared core premise: the 'butterfly effect' of witnessing a crime. They create a specific kind of tension derived from the imbalance of power between a lone individual and a vast, corrupt organization, making the viewer feel the protagonist's fear and desperation.
A flawed father risks everything to protect his estranged daughter from danger.Explore movies similar to 'Absolute Power' that feature a central theme of a father seeking to redeem himself in the eyes of his daughter amidst a dangerous situation. If you were moved by Luther's protective journey, you'll find other dramatic thrillers and crime stories with heavy emotional weight and bittersweet resolutions.
The story often features a father figure with a checkered past (like a criminal or absentee parent) whose life is thrown into chaos by an external threat that also endangers his daughter. His primary motivation shifts from self-preservation to protecting her at all costs. The narrative climax involves a sacrifice or brave act that indirectly or directly mends their relationship, though the resolution is often tinged with the cost of their actions.
These movies are connected by the powerful emotional core of a fractured parental relationship being tested and potentially healed through extreme circumstances. The combination of high-stakes external danger with intimate, heavy emotional drama creates a uniquely compelling and resonant experience.
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