The movie follows the story of Tom Stall (played by Viggo Mortensen), a mild-mannered family man living in a small town in Indiana. Tom runs a diner with his wife, Edie (played by Maria Bello), and they have two children, Jack (played by Ashton Holmes) and Sarah (played by Heidi Hayes).
One day, two violent criminals, Carl Fogarty (played by Ed Harris) and his associate, arrive at Tom’s diner and attempt to rob the place. In a sudden burst of violence, Tom subdues the criminals and becomes a local hero, earning praise and admiration from his community.
However, Tom’s act of heroism attracts unwanted attention and raises questions about his past. Carl, who survived the encounter, becomes obsessed with Tom and insists that he is actually Joey Cusack, a notorious mobster from Philadelphia with a dark and violent history.
Tom denies Carl’s accusations, but as Carl continues to harass and threaten him, Tom’s facade begins to crack, and his true identity is called into question. Edie becomes suspicious of her husband’s past and begins to investigate, uncovering disturbing truths about Tom’s previous life as Joey Cusack.
In the climax of the film, Tom’s past catches up with him when a group of mobsters arrives in town, seeking revenge for Joey Cusack’s previous actions. A violent confrontation ensues, and Tom is forced to confront his dark past and the consequences of his actions.
In the end, Tom manages to defeat the mobsters and protect his family, but the ordeal leaves him scarred and haunted by his past. He realizes that he can never fully escape the violence that has defined his life and must come to terms with his true identity.
The film concludes with Tom returning to his quiet life in Indiana, but the events of the past continue to weigh heavily on him and his family. Despite their attempts to move on, they are forever changed by the violence that has touched their lives.
Overall, “A History of Violence” is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that explores themes of identity, morality, and the nature of violence. With its tense atmosphere, complex characters, and powerful performances, it offers a compelling and unforgettable movie experience for audiences of all ages.