"A History of Violence" is a 2005 film directed by David Cronenberg, based on a graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke. The story follows Tom Stall, a small-town diner owner who becomes a local hero after thwarting a violent robbery. However, his newfound fame brings unwanted attention and forces him to confront a dark past he had tried to leave behind. As the plot unfolds, Tom's life spirals into chaos when his past as a hitman is revealed, leading to conflicts with both his family and dangerous figures from his former life. The film explores themes of identity, violence, and the impact of one's history on the present.