Imagine if the United Nations outsourced peace talks to UFC fighters—with theology as the prize. That's the premise behind Absolute Dominion, Lexi Alexander's blood-soaked, faith-fueled vision of diplomacy gone full Mortal Kombat. And based on the trailer, this thing doesn't whisper “cult classic.” It screams it.
In the grim year of 2063, the world is burning in the name of belief. So naturally, instead of more sanctions or summits, global leaders opt for… a fighting tournament? Enter The Battle of Absolute Dominion, a brutal martial arts free-for-all where the last fighter standing wins the right for their faith to rule the planet. No pressure.
It's a setup that feels half Black Mirror, half PlayStation 2 fever dream. And who better to frame this madness than Patton Oswalt—as the event's internet-famous creator? Oswalt's casting is no accident. Known for playing awkwardly self-aware outsiders (Ratatouille, Young Adult, Twitter itself), he brings a layer of comedic nihilism that fits too well in a future ruled by influencers and death matches.
Director Lexi Alexander, who cut her teeth on Green Street Hooligans and Punisher: War Zone, doesn't do subtle. Her aesthetic is all cracked knuckles and scorched ideology. But here's what sets Absolute Dominion apart: it dares to merge spiritual tension with action pulp in a way that weirdly echoes Bloodsport (1988) and The Tournament (2009), yet injects Mad Max-style stakes.
And while Hollywood loves recycling gladiator tropes, from Hunger Games to The Raid, few have dared to link fists with faith. That's either brilliant… or sacrilegious. Maybe both.
The choreography, guided by veteran stunt coordinator Phil Tan (Showdown in Little Tokyo, Lethal Weapon 4), promises bone-snapping realism. Désiré Mia's character, Sagan Bruno, looks like the film's emotional anchor—and maybe its philosophical one, too. But let's be honest: no one's coming to Absolute Dominion for quiet introspection. This is a movie where theology gets resolved by spinning heel kicks.
And therein lies the unexpected genius.
The trailer ends with a brutal montage and one lingering question: “Can peace be achieved through violence?” That's not just the film's thesis—it's the dare it throws at the audience.
So, what do you think: Is Absolute Dominion a timely satire of belief in the algorithm age—or just a damn good excuse for roundhouse theology? Would you bet your soul on a cage match?
Drop your hot takes below—or prepare for spiritual combat.
