A Most Violent Year

2014, Mystery & thriller/Crime, 2h 4m

232 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Gritty, gripping, and weighted with thought-provoking heft, A Most Violent Year represents another strong entry in writer-director J.C. Chandor's impressive filmography. Read critic reviews

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A Most Violent Year Photos

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Movie Info

In 1981 New York, a fuel supplier (Oscar Isaac) tries to adhere to his own moral compass amid the rampant violence, corruption and decay that threaten his family and his business.
  • Rating:
    R (Some Violence|Language)
  • Genre:
    Mystery & thriller, Crime, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    J.C. Chandor
  • Producer:
    Neal Dodson, Anna Gerb, J.C. Chandor
  • Writer:
    J.C. Chandor
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     limited
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $5.7M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    A24
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby Digital

Cast & Crew

Oscar Isaac
Abel Morales
Jessica Chastain
Anna
David Oyelowo
Lawrence
Alessandro Nivola
Peter Forente
Albert Brooks
Andrew Walsh
Elyes Gabel
Julian
Catalina Sandino Moreno
Luisa
Peter Gerety
Bill O'Leary
Christopher Abbott
Louis Servidio
Glenn Fleshler
Arnold Klein
Jerry Adler
Josef
Ben Rosenfield
Alex
Ashley Williams
Lange
J.C. Chandor
Director
J.C. Chandor
Screenwriter
Neal Dodson
Producer
Anna Gerb
Producer
J.C. Chandor
Producer
Jeff Skoll
Executive Producer
Jonathan King
Executive Producer
Glen Basner
Executive Producer
Joshua Blum
Executive Producer
Kerry Orent
Executive Producer
Bradford Young
Cinematography
Ron Patane
Film Editing
Alex Ebert
Original Music
John P. Goldsmith
Production Design
Douglas Huszti
Art Director
Melanie Baker
Set Decoration
Bernard Telsey
Casting
Tiffany Little Canfield
Casting
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for A Most Violent Year

All Critics (232) | Top Critics (71) | Fresh (208) | Rotten (24)
Full Review… Jason Bailey Flavorwire Full Review… Adam Nayman Reverse Shot Full Review… Nick Schager The Daily Beast Full Review… Philippa Hawker The Age (Australia) Full Review… Liz Braun Toronto Sun Full Review… Liam Lacey Globe and Mail Full Review… MaryAnn Johanson AWFJ Women on Film Full Review… Anne Brodie AWFJ Women on Film Full Review… Nikki Baughan AWFJ Women on Film Full Review… Catherine Springer CathsFilmForum.com Full Review… Angus Batey NME Full Review… Richard Crouse Richard Crouse
View All Critic Reviews (232)

Audience Reviews for A Most Violent Year

  • Sep 24, 2018
    Unspectacular and realistic thriller drama about an early 80s entrepreneur and his attempt to stay above water within the law. The actors are top notch, although Chastain remains underused. Isaac carries the film with his performance, the plot does move a little slowly at times and there are merely a few adrenaline peaks. Still, overall satisfying and well done. Just don't expect to bite your nails in excitement or thrill.
    Jens S Super Reviewer
  • Aug 01, 2018
    Excellent performances and engaging story kept me involved. Thankfully, there's more to it than violence!
    familiar s Super Reviewer
  • Jul 11, 2016
    It kept me interested. Oscar Isaacs did a good job and the storyline was unique. Instead of the lead guy turning out to be a criminal, he did everything the right way... This prompts doing the right thing instead of doing the wrong thing to get things done - I like that.
    Jim P Super Reviewer
  • Feb 24, 2016
    Oscar Isaac as usual is phenomenal. Jessica Chastain is great as usual. This movie is just ok to me though, I felt like it was just missing something
    Kameron W Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

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