A History of Violence

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2:31

A History of Violence

R

2005

1h 36m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

222 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

When a pair of petty criminals attempt to rob his small-town diner, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) quickly and easily kills them both. In the flush of news coverage of Tom's seemingly heroic actions, a threatening stranger named Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris) comes to town, fingering the unassuming family man as long-missing Philadelphia mobster Joey Cusack. To the horror of his wife, Edie (Maria Bello), and teenage son, Jack (Ashton Holmes), Tom finds he must confront his violent past.

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Critics Consensus

A History of Violence raises compelling and thoughtful questions about the nature of violence, while representing a return to form for director David Cronenberg in one of his more uncharacteristic pieces.

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Christy Lemire

Associated Press

The less you know about this movie before seeing it -- and you really should see it -- the better.

Apr 15, 2013

Full Review

David Denby

The New Yorker

Cronenberg's direction, mirroring the split in Tom, is alternately measured and frighteningly explosive, and, as always, he gives the movie a nasty underlay of sexual perversity.

Apr 15, 2013

Full Review

Joe Morgenstern

Wall Street Journal

This peculiarly predictable picture has been calculated, or miscalculated, to set up certain expectations, fulfill them, and then do the same thing again, thereby giving us a chance to see what's coming and, at least in theory, be shocked.

Apr 15, 2013

Full Review

Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

Smoothly-paced, profoundly quiet, and possessing bursts of disquieting violence, "A History of Violence" is as affecting now as it was in its original 2005 release, perhaps more-so in the current landscape of cinematic entertainment.

Oct 21, 2025

Full Review

Jeff Beck

The Blu Spot

A History of Violence may not be that complicated a tale, but with a marvelous, Oscar-nominated screenplay by Josh Olson and an incredible ensemble, it becomes a riveting experience that utilizes its story elements to deliver a compelling narrative.

Rated: 4.5/5

Oct 20, 2025

Full Review

Joshua Ryan

FandomWire

It’s darkly comedic, brutally violent, and strangely orchestrated in the way that only Cronenberg can manage.

Rated: 9/10

Oct 10, 2025

Full Review

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AK 0

Very decent watch. I wish the ending wouldn’t feel as rushed as it is and I’d rather have the plot of the last 30 mins unfold in another hour in order to have a better view of Tom’s past and the film’s final act. Nonetheless the movie was worth the watch, the cast was stellar and I recommend watching it.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/16/25

Full Review

Victor D

Wtf with this ? Such a waste of time damn

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/20/25

Full Review

Daniel S

It feels like a story board of an actual movie. Essentially can be summarised as crook leaves business, gets found by former associates, sorts things out. Zero time spent on character development & no more ‘gripping’, ‘thrilling’ or philosophical than John Wick or whatever Jason Statham movie. Essentially the same as the above, but with most of the choreographed action scenes replaced with either a slightly off-colour sex scene, or a close up of someone’s face while some shrill strings play in the background. Give me my Friday evening back.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

Full Review

Kandy A

Great Story. Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello and Ed Harris stand out above a great supporting cast. It builds and builds on a unique concept. The diretion from David Cronenberg is seamless. You get so wrapped up in the plot that you forget it is a movie. William Hurt doe what William Hurt does best, he shines an creates an energy in his performance. I really liked this movie. Highly recommended. Stephen McHattie is scary in his role and he is well supported by his accomplice. I think those two could be a movie on their own.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/04/25

Full Review

Ken W

The duality of man, we all have a little killer in us. Some leave it behind, some never unleash it, yet.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/26/25

Full Review

Slick R

I remember seeing this in the movie theater and I was floored. Extremely violent and gripping. I'd have to watch again but I recall not liking the ending.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/25/25

Full Review

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David Cronenberg

Director

Viggo Mortensen

Tom Stall

Maria Bello

Edie Stall

William Hurt

Richie Cusack

Ashton Holmes

Jack Stall

Stephen McHattie

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A History of Violence: Trailer 1

2:31

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Synopsis

When a pair of petty criminals attempt to rob his small-town diner, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) quickly and easily kills them both. In the flush of news coverage of Tom's seemingly heroic actions, a threatening stranger named Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris) comes to town, fingering the unassuming family man as long-missing Philadelphia mobster Joey Cusack. To the horror of his wife, Edie (Maria Bello), and teenage son, Jack (Ashton Holmes), Tom finds he must confront his violent past.

Director: David Cronenberg
Producer: J.C. Spink, Chris Bender
Screenwriter: Josh Olson
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: Benderspink
Rating: R (Language|Graphic Sexuality|Nudity|Some Drug Use|Strong Brutal Violence)
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 30, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 29, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $31.5M
Runtime: 1h 36m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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