Absence of the Good

In a world of darkness, justice is the ultimate pursuit.

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Synopsis

Absence of the Good is a 1999 crime thriller starring Stephen Baldwin as Dave Philips, a dedicated and ambitious police detective in a gritty urban setting. The film follows Philips as he investigates a series of brutal murders with chilling similarities, suspecting a serial killer on the loose. Throughout the investigation, he faces moral dilemmas and bureaucratic obstacles, pushing him to question the nature of good and evil in his pursuit of justice. Balancing intense action sequences with moments of character-driven drama, the movie explores themes of obsession, the complexities of law enforcement, and the personal cost of dedication to duty.

Cast

Reviews

Critically, Absence of the Good received mixed reviews with a modest rating of 5.3/10 on IMDb, reflecting its divisive reception among audiences and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film lacks a significant critic consensus or a metascore on Metacritic, indicating it did not achieve broad critical attention upon release. Some reviewers praised Stephen Baldwin's committed performance and the gritty atmosphere, noting that the film effectively captures the tension of a serial killer investigation. However, many critics found the plot derivative and the screenplay uneven, citing clichéd dialogue and predictable twists as major drawbacks. For example, a review on a user forum highlighted the film's "somewhat formulaic procedural approach but acknowledged its earnestness." Fans of the thriller genre may appreciate its straightforward storytelling and Baldwin's portrayal, while others might find it lacking the depth and suspense expected from top-tier crime thrillers. Overall, Absence of the Good remains a modest entry in late 90s crime cinema with some engaging moments but limited impact.