Directed by
David Cronenberg
Made by
New Line Cinema
Discover the intricate plot of A History of Violence (2005). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Billy Orser, portrayed by Greg Bryk, is a merciless mob killer collaborating with Leland Jones (Stephen McHattie). The duo coldly murders the staff of a motel, and in a shocking act, Billy shoots a young girl who witnesses their heinous crime.
In stark contrast, we find Tom Stall, played by Viggo Mortensen, a restaurant owner leading a blissful life in the small town of Millbrook, Indiana. He cherishes his loving wife, Edie, as well as their son Jack (Ashton Holmes) and daughter Sarah (Heidi Hayes). Tom is a well-respected figure in their community, and everything appears perfect—until fate intervenes.
Jack faces challenges at school, enduring bullying from punks Bobby (Kyle Schmid) and Buddy (Morgan Kelly). Despite temptation, Jack opts for peace over violence, showing maturity beyond his years. Meanwhile, Tom and Edie’s relationship thrives, their romance nurtured by intimate moments whenever possible.
Their peaceful existence shatters one fateful night when Billy and Leland attempt to rob Tom’s restaurant. In a gripping confrontation, Tom’s courage shines through as he eliminates the threat, killing both robbers despite sustaining an injury himself. His heroic deeds catapult him into the limelight, with media coverage flooding in and turning him into an overnight celebrity. After a brief hospital stay, he returns home, welcomed as a hero, though the intrusion of fame begins to weigh heavily on him.
Chaos enters when Carl Fogarty, portrayed by Ed Harris, a menacing gangster, confronts Tom, claiming he is actually Joey Cusack, a figure from the Irish Mob in Philadelphia. Tom vehemently denies this assertion, maintaining he has no connection to that life. Yet, Carl’s relentless harassment puts immense pressure on Tom and his family.
Local Sheriff Sam informs Tom and Edie that Carl and his associates are linked to organized crime and suspected murders. Even though there’s no official evidence tying Tom to the witness protection program, tensions rise within the home as Tom’s life is slowly unraveled by Carl’s intimidation.
Tom’s family dynamic begins to suffer. Edie and Sarah’s outing to a mall leads to a frightening confrontation with Carl, who drops cryptic threats against Tom. Meanwhile, Jack grapples with his own internal struggles regarding violence, escalating to a violent encounter at school. An altercation with Tom forces a rift between father and son when Jack feels extreme frustration, eventually leading Jack to take daring action against Carl’s henchmen when they kidnap him.
The climax arises in a fierce showdown at the Stall residence, as Tom employs the same lethal precision against Carl’s men that he utilized against the robbers, culminating in Jack rescuing his father by killing Fogarty in a moment of bravery.
However, the confrontations do not end there. In a heart-wrenching scene at the hospital, Edie confronts Tom, claiming she witnessed a side of him that struck her as the “real” Joey. Shockingly, Tom admits his dark past, confessing that he had indeed murdered for both profit and excitement, desperately trying to reform himself and become “Tom Stall”.
After his recovery, Sheriff Sam attempts to discern the truth behind Tom’s identity, but Edie fiercely defends him, leading to a dramatic climax in their relationship filled with violent passion and subsequent alienation. A call from Tom’s brother, Richie Cusack (William Hurt), propels Tom back to Philadelphia, where he discovers the undercurrents of a revenge-fueled power struggle within the mob, ultimately culminating in a violent confrontation against Richie.
Tom returns to a strained family setting, where the shadow of his past looms large. As they sit around the dinner table, the atmosphere is steeped in tension, yet subtle gestures between Tom, Jack, and Sarah hint at a fragile path towards understanding and acceptance.
Track the key events of A History of Violence (2005) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Mob Killers on the Loose
Billy Orser and Leland Jones, mob killers, embark on a violent spree, eliminating the staff of a motel without hesitation. Their cold-blooded nature is highlighted when Billy shoots a young girl who witnesses their gruesome crime, showcasing the depths of their depravity.
Life in Millbrook
In stark contrast to the chaos of the mobsters, Tom Stall leads a peaceful life in Millbrook, Indiana, as a well-respected restaurant owner. He enjoys his happy family life with his wife, Edie, and their children, Jack and Sarah, creating a picture-perfect existence.
Jack's School Struggles
Jack faces bullying at school from peers Bobby and Buddy, putting a strain on his emotional well-being. Despite the pressure, he chooses peace over confrontation, demonstrating maturity and a desire to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.
A Fateful Night
The family's idyllic life is upended when Billy and Leland attempt to rob Tom's restaurant. In a moment of bravery, Tom confronts the robbers, ultimately killing them in a fierce struggle, but not before sustaining an injury of his own.
Rising Fame
Following the confrontation, Tom becomes an overnight celebrity as media coverage showcases his heroics. However, with fame comes unwanted attention, and Tom finds himself struggling under the weight of his newfound notoriety and the expectations that accompany it.
The Menace of Carl Fogarty
Carl Fogarty confronts Tom, alleging he is actually Joey Cusack, an infamous figure tied to the Irish Mob. Despite Tom's firm denials, Carl's relentless harassment creates a sense of dread and insecurity, unraveling Tom's peaceful life.
Sheriff's Warning
Local Sheriff Sam warns Tom and Edie about Carl and his connections to organized crime. The threat intensifies as Tom realizes that their lives are in danger, adding to the pressure that is already building within their household.
Family Tensions Escalate
Amidst the chaos, Tom’s family begins to suffer. Edie and Sarah face a menacing encounter at a mall with Carl, while Jack struggles with his own identity. Their lives become increasingly intertwined with the dangers posed by Carl and his associates.
Jack's Growing Frustration
Jack's frustrations culminate in a violent altercation at school, revealing the psychological toll that the ongoing threats have on him. With a growing resolve, he makes a bold decision to confront Carl's henchmen after being kidnapped.
The Showdown
The climax of their ordeal arrives during a fierce showdown at the Stall residence, where Tom skillfully defends his family against Carl's men. In a pivotal moment, Jack bravely kills Fogarty, ultimately rescuing his father, showcasing his newfound courage.
Dark Confessions
In a heart-wrenching scene at the hospital, Edie confronts Tom about his past. Tom reveals his true self, admitting to his history of murder for profit and excitement, casting doubt on the identity he has tried to build as Tom Stall.
Sheriff's Investigation
After his recovery, Sheriff Sam seeks the truth behind Tom's identity, leading to heightened tensions between Tom and Edie. Despite Edie's fierce defense of her husband, the unearthing of Tom's past poses a significant threat to their relationship.
Call to Danger
Tom receives an alarming call from his brother Richie Cusack, pulling him back into the dangerous world of the Philadelphia mob. This unexpected reunion thrusts Tom back into the violent power struggles that he sought to escape.
Confronting Family Betrayal
Back in Philadelphia, Tom confronts the reality of betrayal and revenge within the mob. The atmosphere is fraught with tension as he navigates the dangerous waters of family loyalty and survival against criminal interests.
The Final Dinner
As the story winds down, Tom returns to a strained family setting filled with unspoken emotions. Sitting around the dinner table, Jack and Sarah make tentative connections with their father, suggesting a fragile path toward understanding despite the shadows of Tom's past.
Meet the characters that bring A History of Violence (2005) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Tom Stall
Tom Stall is a devoted family man and restaurant owner who seeks to maintain a peaceful life for his family. He is initially portrayed as a hero but grapples with the violent aspects of his past that resurface, forcing him to confront his true identity. Tom's journey reflects themes of redemption and the struggle for self-acceptance.
Edie Stall
Edie Stall is Tom's supportive wife who initially believes in her husband’s image as a hero. However, she is confronted with the reality of Tom’s past, leading to a critical reevaluation of their relationship. Edie’s loyalty and strength are tested as she navigates her feelings of love, fear, and betrayal.
Carl Fogarty
Carl Fogarty is a menacing gangster from Tom’s past, representing the violent life that Tom is trying to escape. His relentless pursuit of Tom places immense pressure on the Stall family, revealing the darker side of Tom’s previous life. Carl’s character embodies the threat of unresolved conflicts and the inevitability of facing one’s past.
Uncover the settings of A History of Violence (2005), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal challenges such as crime, family dynamics, and the pursuit of personal identity. It captures the essence of a seemingly normal life being disrupted by the emergence of a dark past.
Location
Millbrook, Indiana
Millbrook, Indiana, is a small town known for its close-knit community and peaceful living. It serves as the backdrop for Tom Stall's idyllic life with his family, representing the quintessential American town where everyone knows one another. However, beneath this tranquil surface lies the potential for violence and secrets.
Explore the core themes of A History of Violence (2005). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Identity
The theme of identity plays a central role as Tom Stall struggles with his past and the persona of 'Joey Cusack' that threatens to resurface. This conflict challenges his attempts to redefine himself as a peaceful family man and the impact of his past actions on those he loves. The film explores how one's identity can be shaped by past choices and societal perceptions.
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Violence
Violence surfaces in the narrative both as a shocking reality and a means of survival. The film examines the consequences of violent actions and how they interweave with personal and familial relationships. It highlights the ripple effects of aggression, particularly on Tom’s son, Jack, as he struggles with the notion of violence in his own life.
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Family
Family is depicted as both a source of strength and vulnerability in the film. Tom's relationships with his wife Edie and their children showcase the complexities of familial bonds, especially under duress. As external threats challenge their unity, the film delves into the sacrifices made for love and the fight for understanding amidst chaos.
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