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A History of Violence Ending Explained, Wiki, Plot and More

The ending of "A History of Violence" reveals Tom's past as a mob enforcer named Joey Cusack, confronting his brother Richie in a brutal fight, yet the silence at the dinner table hints at lingering trauma and the cyclical nature of violence.

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Updated Mar 09, 2024

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A History of Violence Ending Explained, Wiki, Plot and More

A History Of Violence

A History Of Violence based on the 1997 graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, David Cronenberg and Josh Olson directed and wrote the action thriller in 2005. William Hurt, Ed Harris, Maria Bello, and Viggo Mortensen are the film's stars. After stopping a robbery attempt, the main character rises to fame in the community, but he must face his former foes in order to save his family.

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The movie opened in the US on September 23, 2005, and went nationwide on September 30, 2005. It was nominated for the 2005 Palme d'Or. Olson is nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, while William Hurt is nominated for Best Supporting Actor. It has received accolades for its performances, screenplay, and atmosphere. It is also one of the last major Hollywood films to be released on VHS.

A History of Violence Ending Explained

In the ending of "A History of Violence," things get intense. Tom Stall, who we thought was just a regular family guy, turns out to have a dark past as Joey Cusack, a tough mob enforcer. When his past catches up with him, Tom confronts his brother Richie, who's out for revenge. They end up in a brutal fight, and Tom has to kill Richie to save himself. Back home, it seems like Tom has put his violent past behind him, but there's this uneasy feeling lingering around the dinner table with his family. It's like the violence he's been through still hangs over them, even though he's tried to leave it behind.

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The ending makes us think about how violence can stick with you, no matter how hard you try to escape it. It's a reminder that the consequences of violence can't just be brushed aside, and it leaves us wondering about the cycle of violence and if it can ever really be broken.

Cast of a History of Violence

Actor

Character

Viggo Mortensen Joey Cusack / Tom Stall
Maria Bello Edie Stall
Ed Harris Carl Fogarty
William Hurt Richie Cusack
Ashton Holmes Jack Stall
Peter MacNeill Sheriff Sam Carney
Stephen McHattie Leland Jones
Greg Bryk Billy Orser
R. D. Reid Pat
Sumela Kay Judy

A History of Violence Plot

After shooting two spree killers, Tom Stall, the owner of a café in Millbrook, Indiana, is praised as a hero. Gangster Carl Fogarty pays him a visit and claims that Tom is Joey Cusack, a professional hitman from Philadelphia. Tom disputes this, but Carl continues to follow the Stalls. Jack flees following a fight with his father, and Tom's connections with his family get tense.

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"Joey" must go back to Philadelphia with them, per Carl's requests. Carl shoots the henchman before Tom has a chance to kill him. When Edie confronts Tom, he confesses to killing for fun and money, strengthening their bond. Local sheriff Sam is perplexed by what has happened, and Tom's brother, criminal lord Richie Cusack, is requesting that he go back to Philadelphia.

Tom tries to talk to Richie and asks him to send his guys to kill his brother. After taking out the final henchman, Tom approaches Richie, to which he replies, "Jesus, Joey." When Tom gets home, the family is seated around the dinner table, and Edie is crying as she gazes at Tom.

Where to Watch a History of Violence?

You can watch "A History of Violence" on Amazon Prime Video. Just head over to the Prime Video platform, where you can rent or buy the movie to stream it easily.

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A History of Violence Trailer

A History of Violence Ending Explained - FAQs

1. When was "A History of Violence" released in the US?  

It opened in the US on September 23, 2005, and nationwide on September 30, 2005.
 

2. Who directed and wrote the film adaptation of "A History of Violence"?  

David Cronenberg directed, and Josh Olson wrote the screenplay based on the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke.
 

3. Who are the main stars of "A History of Violence"?  

The main stars are William Hurt, Ed Harris, Maria Bello, and Viggo Mortensen.
 

4. What is the protagonist's dark past revealed in the movie?  

Tom Stall's dark past as Joey Cusack, a mob enforcer, is revealed.
 

5. Where can "A History of Violence" be streamed?  

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.
 

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