In iconic Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg’s dramatic thriller A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, Viggo Mortensen stars as a mild-mannered man who unwittingly becomes a local hero through an act of violence framed by self-defense, which in turn sets off repercussions that will shake his family to its very core. The film raises compelling and thoughtful questions about the nature of violence, while representing something of a a return to form for Cronenberg.

Tom Stall (Mortensen) is living a happy and quiet life with his lawyer wife (Maria Bello) and their two children in the small town of Millbrook, Indiana, but one night their idyllic existence is shattered when Tom foils a vicious attempted robbery in his diner. Sensing danger, he takes action and saves his customers and friends in the self-defense killings of two-sought-after criminals. Heralded as a hero, Tom’s life is changed overnight, attracting a national media circus, which forces him into the spotlight. Uncomfortable with his newfound celebrity, Tom tries to return to the normalcy of his ordinary life only to be confronted by a mysterious and threatening man who arrives in town believing Tom is the man who’s wronged him in the past. As Tom and his family fight back against this case of mistaken identity and struggle to cope with their changed reality, they are forced to confront their relationships and the divisive issues which surface as a result. Also starring John Hurt and Ed Harris.

“Cronenberg’s direction, mirroring the split in Tom, is alternately measured and frighteningly explosive, and, as always, he gives the movie a nasty underlay of sexual perversity.” (The New Yorker)

“A remarkably convincing examination of heroism, hero worship, and the seductive allure of villainy.” (Vulture)

Friday, May 17
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change.

Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the door

*Minors permitted in the balcony. (This film is rated 18A.) Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK. Please redeem at the door.

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (David Cronenberg, 2005 / 96 mins / 18A) An average family is thrust into the spotlight after the father commits a seemingly self-defense murder at his diner.