When you think of modern action cinema, John Wick often springs to mind. Its stylish gun-fu and relentless pacing set a new bar. But long before Keanu Reeves donned that tailored suit, another thriller quietly rewrote the rules of the genre. A History of Violence, directed by David Cronenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen, remains a masterclass in tension and consequence. And right now, it's available to stream on HBO Max.
Based on the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, A History of Violence tells the story of Tom Stall (Mortensen), a small-town diner owner living a quiet life with his wife Edie (Maria Bello) and their two kids. That peace shatters when two criminals attempt to rob the diner. Tom reacts with startling precision, dispatching both men in a brutal, efficient sequence that shocks everyone—including his family. Suddenly, he's a local hero, but the spotlight threatens to expose a past he's fought hard to bury.
A Different Kind of Action Hero
What makes A History of Violence so compelling is its refusal to glorify violence. Cronenberg, known for unsettling horror like Scanners and Videodrome, brings a chilling realism to the action. Mortensen, fresh off The Lord of the Rings, subverts his heroic image with a performance that's both gentle and menacing. The violence is sudden, messy, and deeply uncomfortable—a stark contrast to the balletic choreography of John Wick. This isn't about style; it's about the raw, ugly aftermath.
The film also digs into the psychological toll of a violent life. As Tom's past as mob enforcer Joey Cusack resurfaces, his brother Richie (William Hurt) comes calling, and his marriage begins to fracture. Cronenberg deliberately forces the audience to question their own reactions. As he once explained, the film sets up violence as justifiable, even heroic, but then asks: "Can you applaud this?"—showing the devastating consequences that follow.
A Legacy That Endures
Critics and audiences alike have hailed A History of Violence as one of the best films of the 21st century. Its influence can be seen in later thrillers that prioritize character over spectacle. For fans of revenge-driven action, this is essential viewing.
Mortensen and Cronenberg would reunite twice more, first for the gritty crime drama Eastern Promises, which echoes similar themes of identity and violence, and then for A Dangerous Method, where Mortensen portrayed Sigmund Freud. Both films showcase the duo's ability to tackle complex material with nuance.
If you're looking for a thriller that stays with you long after the credits roll, A History of Violence is a must-watch. It's a taut, thoughtful exploration of what violence does to a person—and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful action is the kind that makes you think. Stream it now on HBO Max.
