Oscar-Nominated Action Thriller "A History of Violence" Now Streaming on Netflix UK

Netflix UK has just added a critically acclaimed 2005 action thriller to its library, offering viewers a chance to experience the dark and gritty world of "A History of Violence". This film, directed by cult horror maestro David Cronenberg, stars "Lord of the Rings" star Viggo Mortensen alongside Ed Harris, William Hurt, and Maria Bello.

The story centres around the owner of a diner in a small American town who becomes a local hero after fending off armed robbers. However, as his newfound fame spreads, so do whispers of a shadowy past, leaving the audience questioning the true nature of the man they believe they know.

While the film garnered critical acclaim upon its release, earning screenwriter Josh Olson an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and William Hurt a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, its audience reception was more muted. "A History of Violence" achieved a respectable box office gross of $61 million, but this was significantly less than double its budget, and its audience score on Rotten Tomatoes remains lower than the critics' score.

This discrepancy may be attributed to the film's dark and challenging themes, which some viewers found difficult to process. It also arrived on the heels of "The Return of the King", making the transition from Aragorn's heroic persona to a more morally ambiguous character a jarring one for many viewers.

Despite its lower profile, "A History of Violence" is held in high regard by critics and has garnered a loyal following over the years. It boasts an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its status as a compelling and thought-provoking film.

The film marks the first collaboration between Mortensen and Cronenberg, who have since gone on to work together on several other projects, including "Eastern Promises", "A Dangerous Method", and most recently, "Crimes of the Future".

Now available on Netflix UK, "A History of Violence" offers viewers a unique opportunity to experience a captivating thriller with Oscar-nominated performances and a compelling story that explores themes of identity, violence, and the consequences of past actions. This is a chance to discover a film that has earned its place among the ranks of Cronenberg's acclaimed work, and a must-watch for fans of thrilling cinema.