The Art of Self-Defense

Play trailer

2:28

The Art of Self-Defense

R

Released Jul 19, 2019

1h 44m

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

83%

Tomatometer

171 Reviews

63%

Popcornmeter

500+ Verified Ratings

After getting attacked on the street, Casey enlists in a local dojo that's led by a charismatic and mysterious sensei. He soon uncovers a sinister fraternity of violence and masculinity while learning how to defend himself. Casey must now embark on a dark and frightening journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

The Art of Self-Defense grapples compellingly with modern American masculinity -- and serves as an outstanding calling card for writer-director Riley Stearns.

Read Critics Reviews

Rick Bentley

Tribune News Service

The comedy is so dark that it may be blinding to some. At least there is no way to dismiss the film as being just another formulaic attempt at entertainment. If nothing else, it is one of the most unique films of the year.

Jul 25, 2019

Full Review

Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

The Blue Lenses

The Art of Self-Defense is a razor-sharp parable about radicalization, masculinity and misogyny that avoids pompous, self-aggrandizing soapboxing in favour of empathy, humanity and compassion. All that, plus bonus dachshund.

Jul 24, 2019

Full Review

Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Eisenberg is sensational.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 19, 2019

Full Review

Calum Cooper

Source (Scotland)

Smart and informative, yet also brutal and haunting, while still maintaining a sense of fun, it’s masterfully crafted and confidently staunch in its beliefs.

Jul 14, 2024

Full Review

Ryan McQuade

InSession Film

It won’t be for everyone but this film is a heck of a ride and leaves you with a fun gut punch for an ending.

Apr 4, 2024

Full Review

Paul Kanieski

KSQD Community Radio

If you like your humor dark, dry and laced with biting social commentary, The Art of Self-Defense lands its blows with black-belt precision.

Jul 19, 2023

Full Review

Read all reviews

Jeff B

It was 90% dark and 10% comedy.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/06/19

Full Review

Daniel L

Jesse Eisenberg + dark comedy = Money! Great movie, I loved it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/22/19

Full Review

Michael

Dark comedy sums it up well.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/02/19

Full Review

wendi d

Great action, humor!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/02/19

Full Review

George

One of the best movies of summer 2019

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/01/19

Full Review

Angel D

This is a very different good time at the movies. It has a Napoleon Dynamite feel to it. With more violence. It is an aquired comedy, but it is brutally funny, at times.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/01/19

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Riley Stearns

Director

Jesse Eisenberg

Casey

Alessandro Nivola

Sensei

Imogen Poots

Anna

Steve Terada

Thomas

David Zellner

Henry

The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Sensei

0:53

The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Grand Master

0:51

The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Really Glad You're Here

0:39

The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Special Belts

1:25

The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - You Came to the Right Place

0:59

View more videos

Supervized

44%

26%

Supervized

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Supervized

Chick Fight

38%

20%

Chick Fight

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Chick Fight

An L.A. Minute

22%

100%

An L.A. Minute

Watchlist

TRAILER

for An L.A. Minute

The Long Dumb Road

74%

51%

The Long Dumb Road

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Long Dumb Road

Army of One

25%

28%

Army of One

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Army of One

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

The Indie Fresh List: The Farewell Expands, While Acclaimed Luce and Nightingale Bring Terrors

The Indie Fresh List: A Frantic Horror Thriller and a Pair of Compelling Bio-docs Hit Theaters This Week

Stuber Is a Bumpy Ride

The Art of Self-Defense: Trailer 1

2:28

The Art of Self-Defense: Teaser Trailer 1

1:09

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

After getting attacked on the street, Casey enlists in a local dojo that's led by a charismatic and mysterious sensei. He soon uncovers a sinister fraternity of violence and masculinity while learning how to defend himself. Casey must now embark on a dark and frightening journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor.

Director: Riley Stearns
Producer: Cody Ryder, Andrew Kortschak, Stephanie Whonsetler, Walter Kortschak
Screenwriter: Riley Stearns
Distributor: Bleecker Street Media
Production Co: End Cue
Rating: R (Language|Graphic Nudity|Sexual Content|Violence)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 19, 2019, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 27, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.4M
Runtime: 1h 44m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now