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Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.A History of ViolenceA movie brief.
2005 / Crime Thriller / Directed by David Cronenberg
A quiet life shatters when a hidden past demands its due.
What is A History of Violence about?
Tom Stall, a mild-mannered diner owner in a quiet rural town, becomes a local hero after thwarting a violent robbery. However, his newfound fame attracts mysterious strangers who claim he is someone else, threatening to expose a hidden history.
Five things to know.
Quiet Existence
Tom Stall lives a seemingly peaceful life as a small-town diner owner, raising his family in rural Millbrook, Indiana.
Heroic Act
His tranquil world is violently disrupted when he skillfully defends his diner from armed robbers, earning national media attention.
Unwanted Attention
Soon, a menacing mobster arrives, accusing Tom of being a former hitman named Joey Cusack, relentlessly stalking his family.
Cronenberg's Vision
Directed by David Cronenberg, this film adapts a graphic novel, exploring violence's nature and its profound consequences on individuals.
Intense Exploration
Prepare for a gripping narrative that delves into identity, family, and the inescapable echoes of past actions.
A thought to take with you.
Tom's response to a robbery transforms his local reputation, but the attention brings people who claim to know another version of him. His family must decide how much of the past belongs to their present, while the film questions the stability of a peaceful identity.
Is it your kind of movie?
Choose it for a tense crime drama that shifts from small-town life to family conflict. It contains graphic violence and is intended for adults.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked October 3, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach