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Crime thriller

A Violent Separation (2019): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

A Violent Separation (2019) movie poster

A Violent Separation is a 2019 crime thriller directed by Kevin Goetz and Michael Goetz, starring Brenton Thwaites as Norman Young, Claire Holt and Gerald McRaney. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes. Critics gave it 18% on Rotten Tomatoes and 28 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
18%
Echo Score
38
Metascore
28
A Violent Separation (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 46m (106 min)
Directors
Kevin Goetz and Michael Goetz
Genres
Thriller , Crime
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is A Violent Separation About?

The premise of A Violent Separation without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In a close-knit Montana community, Deputy Norman Young finds his life spiraling out of control when he is forced to hide a terrible act committed by his own brother. As he develops feelings for Frances, the sister of the victim, Norman struggles with an impossible choice between family loyalty and the pursuit of justice. The situation reveals hidden secrets and the darker side of relationships within the small town.

A Violent Separation Themes & Keywords

· 13 tags
  • accidental death
  • secret
  • investigation
  • sibling fight
  • gunshot
  • girly girl
  • female full frontal nudity
  • brief female frontal nudity
  • female nudity
  • year 1983
  • 1980s
  • rural setting
+1 more
  • australian actor playing american character
Where to watch

Where to Watch A Violent Separation

Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

A Violent Separation Cast & Characters

Brenton Thwaites leads the cast as Norman Young, with Claire Holt as Abbey Campbell and Gerald McRaney as Tom Campbell. Directed by Kevin Goetz and Michael Goetz; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in A Violent Separation

· 7 more
Ratings

A Violent Separation Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave A Violent Separation 18% on Rotten Tomatoes and 28 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 38/100, strongest in character & emotion (55) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

38 /100

A Violent Separation Echo Score Breakdown

In terms of its overall impact, A Violent Separation struggles to maintain momentum and sustain viewer engagement. Critics repeatedly cite sluggish pacing and strained melodrama that undermine the film’s thematic intent. Although the cast occasionally delivers solid performances, character development feels uneven and emotional stakes fail to resonate. Visually, the production adopts a flat, made-for-TV aesthetic that limits stylistic appeal. Overall, the film’s structural and stylistic shortcomings result in a limited lasting impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 40

    The film’s art and craft feel visually flat and underdeveloped. Reviewers note a made-for-TV look characterized by basic production design and an understated color palette. Editing choices contribute to inert pacing, and directorial decisions rarely establish a distinctive visual signature. As a result, the overall craft work lacks the polish necessary to elevate the narrative.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    In terms of character and emotion, performances are broadly competent but often lack depth. Several reviews praise individual actors for solid portrayals, yet the emotional resonance is muted by underwritten roles. Chemistry between characters sometimes registers but fails to sustain genuine engagement. Consequently, the film struggles to forge a strong emotional connection with the audience.

  • Story & Flow 30

    When considering story and flow, the narrative is hindered by sluggish pacing and cluttered plotting. Critics point to an overcomplicated structure that proves difficult to follow, while users describe a confusing and abrupt ending. Predictable elements limit suspense, and rushed resolutions undercut potential intrigue. Overall, the film’s story fails to maintain consistent engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 35

    In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers an uneven audiovisual presentation. The cinematography leans toward a flat, utilitarian style without noteworthy visual flourishes, and the soundtrack remains unremarkable. Sound design receives minimal attention, resulting in few moments of immersive tension. Thus, the sensory components of the film feel muted and fail to enhance overall atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 30

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film offers limited reasons for repeat viewings. Slow pacing and narrative weaknesses reduce opportunities for deeper appreciation, and tension rarely builds to a level that invites revisitation. Isolated strong performances provide brief appeal, yet they are insufficient to overcome the film’s structural flaws. Ultimately, it lacks lasting appeal for multiple viewings.

Plot

A Violent Separation Plot Summary

What happens in A Violent Separation from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1983, deep within the rural heart of Hardridge County, Missouri, we are introduced to Norman Young, a sheriff’s deputy, who shares a modest life with his brother Ray in a mobile home situated on the ranch owned by the widowed Tom Campbell. Tom, who relies on an oxygen tank for his breathing, lives with his two daughters, Abbey and Frances.

One fateful day, Norman discovers that the radio antenna on his police car is bent. He takes it to Tom, who effortlessly repairs it while revealing that it belonged to Norman’s father’s truck. It’s a poignant moment as Tom shares the tragic fate of Norman’s father, who sought work in the area but died with that very vehicle.

Full summary

The whole story of A Violent Separation, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

A Violent Separation Trailers & Videos

The trailer of A Violent Separation.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know A Violent Separation?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the primary setting of 'A Violent Separation'?

Cars

Cars in A Violent Separation

11 cars on screen, including the 1992 Ford Bronco and the 1982 Plymouth Gran Fury.

All 11 cars
  • 1992 Ford Bronco in A Violent Separation 1992 Ford Bronco Main role
  • 1982 Plymouth Gran Fury in A Violent Separation 1982 Plymouth Gran Fury Main role
  • 1991 Dodge Power Ram in A Violent Separation 1991 Dodge Power Ram Important role
  • 1966 Pontiac GTO in A Violent Separation 1966 Pontiac GTO Important role
Details

A Violent Separation Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “The Violent Separation of Flesh and Blood” and “Насильственное разделение”.

Also known as
  • The Violent Separation of Flesh and Blood
  • Насильственное разделение
  • Насилствена раздяла
  • הפרדה אלימה
  • 爆裂兄弟, ძალადობრივი დაშორება

Seen A Violent Separation?

FAQ

A Violent Separation FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of A Violent Separation, each answered in a sentence.

How long is A Violent Separation?

A Violent Separation runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).

When was A Violent Separation released?

A Violent Separation was released on May 17, 2019.

Who directed A Violent Separation?

A Violent Separation was directed by Kevin Goetz and Michael Goetz.

More films by Kevin Goetz

Who is in the cast of A Violent Separation?

A Violent Separation stars Brenton Thwaites as Norman Young, Claire Holt as Abbey Campbell and Gerald McRaney as Tom Campbell, among 11 credited actors.

Where can I watch A Violent Separation?

In the US, A Violent Separation is streaming on Amazon MX Player, Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home Free and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How is A Violent Separation rated?

A Violent Separation has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 18% on Rotten Tomatoes, 28 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.

Does A Violent Separation have a post-credit scene?

No. A Violent Separation has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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