Review published 15th February 2026

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Journey to Absolom: Robbins Faces a Deadly Prison Island

Set in the year 2022, our film follows former Captain J.T. Robbins (Ray Liotta), who is sentenced to prison. Robbins is convicted of assassinating his commanding officer, though his reason for the crime remains unknown until later in the film. While in prison, Robbins is pushed in the wrong direction, prompting the warden to transfer him to a far worse place. He is flown by helicopter to an unknown island called “Absolom.”

Absolom: Where Only the Strongest Survive

You see, Absolom isn’t just another prison. It’s an island where the most dangerous criminals are free to roam, and only the strongest survive. Can Robbins stay alive, and more importantly, can he find a way to escape Absolom and be free once and for all?

Ray Liotta Shines as a Complex Leading Hero

To my surprise, this film was directed by Martin Campbell, who would later helm such favourites as James Bond: GoldenEye and Casino Royale. Robbins, as the lead character, is enjoyable, and Ray Liotta delivers a surprisingly strong performance. In most of the films I’ve seen him in, Liotta usually plays a villain or a morally corrupt character. Here, it’s refreshing to see him as the leading hero, showcasing a wide range of believable skills throughout the film. He’s dangerous and commanding, yet also mysterious. The film does a great job of developing his character, keeping the audience questioning why he killed his commanding officer at the beginning. Is he truly a good guy, or does he deserve to be in prison? Thankfully, the film provides satisfying answers to all of these questions.

Stuart Wilson Brings Fun and Threat as Marek

Ray Liotta isn’t the only one delivering an excellent performance. I also enjoyed the film’s villain, Marek (Stuart Wilson). Marek is the leader of a dangerous group known as “The Outsiders” and commands the most savage criminals on Absolom. It’s clear that Wilson enjoyed playing the role, and he manages to inject some light, playful humour into the film. It’s never over the top, just enough to keep things engaging. It’s also enjoyable to watch Marek and Robbins interact as the story builds toward their ultimate showdown.

Side Characters Fall Short

Outside of the hero and villain, some of the film’s side characters are less compelling. One example is the scrap collector. While side characters are necessary, this one sometimes receives too much screen time, repeating the same actions or lines without adding anything new to the story.

Stunning Scenery Shot in North Queensland

While watching this film, I found myself appreciating the sets, the stunning scenery, and the gorgeous background shots. Afterwards, I did some research and discovered that, according to IMDb, the film was shot in North Queensland, Australia—awesome!

A Fun, Fast-Paced 90s Throwback

Overall, Escape From Absolom is an enjoyable blast from the 90s. The film mixes fresh ideas with familiar action tropes, keeping the story engaging. It’s exciting to see Ray Liotta step into the role of a skilled leading action hero, a departure from his usual villainous characters. Stuart Wilson’s Marek is a strong and entertaining villain, bringing subtle humour that keeps the film lively. While some side characters feel underdeveloped, the dynamic between hero and villain drives the story. Stunning sets and scenery from North Queensland, Australia, enhance the atmosphere, and the audio track complements the action well. Despite a few minor flaws, the film remains a fun, action-packed ride and a nostalgic treat for ’90s fans.

No Escape AKA Escape from Absolom (1994), will be available on 4K UHD from March 4th, thanks to Umbrella

About the Reviewer

Peter Walkden

Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.

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