Watch American Violence

American Violence is a 2015 crime thriller film that offers an intense and thought-provoking journey into the psyche of a murderer. The movie is directed by Timothy Woodward Jr. and stars a talented cast, including Rose Bianco, Nelson Bonilla, Tony Guerrero, and Kaiwi Lyman. The story follows the life of Jackson Shea, a new arrival on Death Row who is sentenced to die for his brutal crime. The movie is not your typical Hollywood retelling of an event; instead, it offers a closer look at the complexity of a story filled with trauma, despair, and devastating consequences.

The film begins with the beginning of an interview with renowned criminal psychologist Dr. Amanda Tyler, played by Bianco. She is interviewing Shea, played by Guerrero, days before his execution in the hope of uncovering what motivated him to commit such heinous acts. As the action unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through his past that paints a provocative and dark portrait of a troubled young man.

Throughout the film, viewers are given snippets of interviews with the surviving family members of Shea's victims. Their testimony is woven into the narrative and adds an unsettling dimension to the story. Tyler's research includes reaching out to Shea's father, a man haunted by the tragedy that befell his family.

As Shea's story progresses, the audience is left with several shocking revelations about his past. The film explores the psychological torment and trauma that could have pushed the perpetrator to the point of inflicting violence. The movie takes a candid look at the possibility that Shea's history of abuse, loss, abandonment, and addiction may have played a vital role in shaping his monstrous behavior.

Throughout American Violence, Tyler's character serves as the anchor, seamlessly guiding viewers through the narrative. She is calm, compassionate, and dedicated to uncovering the truth. Her research, combined with her exceptional skills and gentle approach, manages to uncover the underlying reasons for Shea's criminal acts. Tyler's dedication to her work and her desire to prevent such devastating acts of violence drive her forward, and her efforts are exemplary in combating the fear that terrorizes our society.

Overall, the movie is a masterful examination of our society's addiction to violence and the devastating effects it has on its victims, both the direct ones and the surviving families. The use of flashbacks to piece together Shea's story is a poignant reminder that our past can define us, and it can be a catalyst for change, either positive or negative.

In conclusion, American Violence is a sobering and thought-provoking examination of one man's journey into the depths of his own mind. With powerful performances from its lead actors, gripping storytelling, and emotional intensity, the film packs a punch that keeps it fresh in the audience's minds for days. It serves as a reminder of the need to profound research psychological support for victims of trauma, addiction, and abuse to combat the rising tide of violence in our society. The film's message, though bleak, is a critical lesson for all of us to heed - without empathy and intervention, we are all potential victims of violence.

American Violence is a 2015 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.