A History of Violence
An average family is thrust into the spotlight after the father commits a seemingly self-defense murder at his diner.
Critics Sentiment
Tom kills his brother Richie Cusack and final henchman
Edie and Jack distance themselves from Tom completely
The film swings dramatically from family isolation at its lowest point to the climactic Philadelphia violence that resolves Tom's past
Critics consistently praised Cronenberg's restrained but brutal examination of violence and identity, with strong performances anchoring an increasingly tense narrative. The film builds from small-town normalcy through mounting family crisis to explosive resolution, though some found the sex scenes gratuitous. Most reviewers appreciated the film's thematic depth about violence as an inescapable part of human nature.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 32
Viggo Mortensen
Tom Stall / Joey Cusack
Maria Bello
Edie Stall
Ed Harris
Carl Fogarty
William Hurt
Richie Cusack
Ashton Holmes
Jack Stall
Peter MacNeill
Sheriff Sam Carney
Stephen McHattie
Leland
Greg Bryk
Billy
Kyle Schmid
Bobby
Sumela Kay
Judy Danvers
Gerry Quigley
Mick
Deborah Drakeford
Charlotte
Heidi Hayes
Sarah Stall
Aidan Devine
Charlie Roarke
Bill MacDonald
Frank Mulligan
Michelle McCree
Jenny Wyeth
Ian Matthews
Ruben
R.D. Reid
Pat
Morgan Kelly
Bobby's Buddy
Martha Reilly
Shoe Saleswoman
Crew
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