Absolute Power

Absolute Power

Year: 1997

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

DramaThrillerCrime

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Absolute Power yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Absolute Power (1997)

Trace every key event in Absolute Power (1997) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Burglary Gone Wrong

During a high-stakes burglary at billionaire Walter Sullivan's home, master jewel thief Luther Whitney inadvertently witnesses a horrific crime. This event sets off a chain reaction that will forever alter his life and the lives of those involved.

Walter Sullivan's Home
2

Tragic Assault

In a shocking turn of events, Luther observes President Alan Richmond violently assaulting Christy Sullivan, a beautiful woman caught in a drunken encounter. Her desperate attempt to defend herself with a letter opener escalates the situation dramatically.

Walter Sullivan's Home
3

Christy's Death

As chaos erupts, Secret Service agents mistakenly believe Christy is the threat and fatally shoot her. This brutal moment is manipulated by Chief of Staff Gloria Russell to cover up Richmond's involvement, painting Luther as a burglar responsible for the crime.

Walter Sullivan's Home
4

Investigation Begins

The day after the crime, Detective Seth Frank is assigned to investigate the high-profile case. Despite Luther's criminal history placing him in the spotlight, Frank harbors doubts about his involvement, leading him to dig deeper into the truth.

The following day
5

Luther's Escape Plan

Aware that he has become the prime suspect in Christy's murder, Luther devises an escape plan using forged passports. His determination grows as he watches President Richmond feign sympathy on television, igniting his desire for justice.

6

Search for Evidence

Luther's estranged daughter, Kate, a prosecutor, teams up with Detective Frank to gather evidence. As Kate learns that Luther has been observing her, she battles suspicions about his guilt, further complicating their fractured relationship.

7

Threat from Within

Detective Frank ensures Kate's safety, but unbeknownst to them, a mole named Burton within their ranks learns of their plans. Walter Sullivan hires a hitman to eliminate Luther, raising the stakes for everyone involved.

8

Attempted Assassination

While meeting Kate at an outdoor café, Luther faces an assassination attempt by two snipers, both of whom fail to take him down. In this close call, he takes the opportunity to reveal the shocking truth about Christy's murder to Kate.

Outdoor Café
9

Psychological Warfare

As tension rises, Luther engages in a game of psychological manipulation with Gloria Russell, sending her incriminating evidence while keeping a vigilant eye on Kate. Meanwhile, President Richmond plots to eliminate Kate to secure his secrets.

10

Hospital Showdown

In a climactic moment, Luther rescues Kate from an attempted hit and a violent confrontation ensues at the hospital. He confronts Collin, one of Richmond’s agents, and takes justice into his own hands to protect his daughter.

Hospital
11

Revealing the Conspiracy

Luther uncovers the truth about the conspiracy surrounding Christy's murder by exploiting his connection with Walter's chauffeur. He presents evidence to Walter that could bring President Richmond to justice, hoping to secure her memory.

12

Unraveling the Betrayal

Detective Frank discovers the threads of betrayal that led to Burton’s suicide and uses this evidence to dismantle Gloria Russell's web of deceit. The shocking fallout shakes the foundation of power around Richmond.

13

Richmond's Downfall

News of President Richmond's purported suicide creates a media frenzy and marks a significant moment in the quest for justice over Christy's death. The truth about the events of that night begins to surface more publicly.

14

A Moment of Reflection

As he sits vigil by Kate's hospital bed, Luther reflects on their troubled relationship and the damage caused by the recent events. Sketching her likeness, he holds onto the hope of reconciliation and the promise of new beginnings.

Hospital

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 15:28

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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.

Witness-on-the-run thrillers like Absolute Power

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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

Father-daughter redemption stories like in Absolute Power

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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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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Absolute Power Summary

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Absolute Power Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Absolute Power

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Absolute Power

Absolute Power Spoiler-Free Summary

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