Is The Absence Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Absence is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 112 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Absence Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1993, The Absence emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Four nameless people -- the old man, the woman, the soldier, and the gambler -- journey to a desolate wasteland beyond the limits of an unnamed city. Unlike standard genre fare, The Absence attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Absence features a noteworthy lineup led by Bruno Ganz . Supported by the likes of Jeanne Moreau and Alex Descas , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Absence (1993) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Absence Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Absence is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Absence Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Absence attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Absence reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Absence?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Absence
- Bruno Ganz – Player
- Jeanne Moreau – Writer's Wife
- Alex Descas – Soldier
- Eustaquio Barjau – Writer
- Sophie Semin – Young woman
Top Highlights
Bruno GanzPlayer
Jeanne MoreauWriter's Wife
Alex DescasSoldier
Eustaquio BarjauWriter
Sophie SeminYoung woman
Jenny Alpha
Evgen Bavčar
Luc Bondy
Arielle Dombasle
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Absence has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Absence stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1993 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Absence movie hit or flop?
The Absence has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Absence worth watching?
The Absence is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Absence online?
The Absence may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Absence Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Absence
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
