Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Drama horror film

Violation (2021): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Violation (2021) movie poster

Violation is a 2021 drama horror film directed by Dusty Mancinelli, starring Obi Abili as Caleb, Miriam's husband, Jesse LaVercombe and Anna Maguire. It runs 1 hour 47 minutes. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10. Stream it on AMC Plus and AMC+, or rent or buy it on Fandango At Home.

IMDb rating
5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
88%
Echo Score
75
Metascore
70
Violation (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 47m (107 min)
Director
Dusty Mancinelli
Genres
Drama , Horror
Original language
English
Studio
Shudder
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Violation About?

The premise of Violation without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Fleeing a failing marriage, Miriam returns to her hometown seeking comfort and support. A momentary lapse in judgment leads to a shocking betrayal, triggering a relentless pursuit of revenge. As Miriam confronts those who wronged her, her quest for retribution takes a heavy emotional and psychological toll, pushing her to the edge.

Violation Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • erection
  • erect penis
  • male nudity
  • male full frontal nudity
  • pubic hair
  • murder
  • violence
  • male genitalia
  • male frontal nudity
  • male pubic hair
  • male explicit nudity
  • death
+38 more
  • female protagonist
  • brother in law sister in law sex
  • male rear nudity
  • bare chested male bondage
  • man masturbating
  • husband cheats on wife with her sister
  • rape
  • self justice
  • husband wife relationship
  • sister sister relationship
  • screaming woman
  • cabin in the woods
  • campfire
  • wolf
  • rabbit
  • seductress
  • title directed by female
  • woman
  • head butt
  • reference to adolf hitler
  • waterfall
  • rabbit trap
  • woman removes man's pants
  • flashback
  • male star appears nude
  • duct tape over mouth
  • clothed female nude male scene
  • nonlinear timeline
  • plastic bag over head
  • paddleboat
  • husband refuses sex with his wife
  • sister sister conflict
  • zip ties
  • sisters relationship
  • camera shot of a woman's feet
  • brother in law attracted to sister in law
  • brother in law sister in law kiss
  • woman sucking on man's finger
Where to watch

Where to Watch Violation

Stream it on AMC Plus and AMC+, or rent or buy it from Fandango At Home. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Violation Cast & Characters

Obi Abili leads the cast as Caleb, Miriam's husband, with Jesse LaVercombe as Dylan, Greta's husband and Anna Maguire as Greta, Miriam's sister. Directed by Dusty Mancinelli; 6 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Violation

· 2 more
Ratings

Violation Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Violation 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

75 /100

Violation Echo Score Breakdown

In Violation, the most notable element is its uncompromising visual and emotional intensity. Critics and viewers alike highlight the striking use of non-linear storytelling and stark cinematography that immerses audiences in the lead character’s trauma. However, recurring remarks on uneven pacing and lengthier sequences detract from narrative cohesion. The result is a provocative and memorable experience that balances powerful performances against structural unevenness.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, Violation excels in its unsettling visual presentation. The film’s gloomy color palette and stark framing convey raw emotional tension, while haunting chants and thoughtful production design reinforce its visceral tone. Although some viewers noted deliberate pacing in editing that can feel slow, the overall visual coherence remains compelling.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    In terms of character and emotion, the performances anchor the film’s intense narrative. The leads deliver nuanced portrayals of trauma, capturing both vulnerability and mounting tension through restrained facial expressions and measured dialogue delivery. Critics and audiences praise the on-screen chemistry and depth of emotion, which sustain engagement even when the plot’s pacing fluctuates. Ultimately, the character work is a core strength.

  • Story & Flow 55

    When it comes to story and flow, Violation presents a divisive non-linear narrative. Reviewers commend its originality and capacity to build suspense, yet many point to uneven pacing and length that undermine plot coherence. Sequences that linger on traumatic events can feel overextended, while some narrative threads are left unresolved. The result is an engaging premise tempered by structural inconsistency.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    In the sensory experience, Violation offers a powerful fusion of sound and visual style. The harsh audio montages and evocative soundtrack heighten the film’s unsettling atmosphere, while the cohesive visual direction ensures every frame reinforces the central tension. Despite occasional overuse of ambient sound effects, the film’s sensory elements consistently immerse the viewer in its dark tone and visceral impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Regarding rewatch factor, Violation’s intense subject matter and uneven pacing may limit repeated viewings. While the film’s potent emotional and visual moments invite reconsideration, the graphic content and structural complexity pose barriers to casual rewatching. Viewers seeking a more polished narrative may hesitate to revisit it soon. Overall, its lasting appeal is strong for a select audience but modest for broad rewatchability.

Plot

Violation Plot Summary

What happens in Violation 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

Miriam and her husband Caleb are on a journey to visit her sister Greta at her cabin. As they arrive, there’s an undeniable tension between Miriam and Greta that seems to linger in the air. During their stay, they join forces with Greta’s husband, Dylan, to navigate the complexities of family dynamics. A hike through the forest brings Miriam and Dylan closer together, culminating in an overnight camping trip that shifts their relationship in unexpected ways.

Full summary

The whole story of Violation, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Violation Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Violation.

Violation - Official Trailer [HD] | A Shudder Original
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Violation?

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 relationship between Miriam and Greta?

Details

Violation Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Надругательство” and “הפרה”.

Also known as
  • Надругательство
  • הפרה
  • Violação
  • 죄의 근원
  • 侵犯

Seen Violation?

FAQ

Violation FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

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

How long is Violation?

Violation runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).

When was Violation released?

Violation was released on March 25, 2021.

Who directed Violation?

Violation was directed by Dusty Mancinelli.

More films by Dusty Mancinelli

Who is in the cast of Violation?

Violation stars Obi Abili as Caleb, Miriam's husband, Jesse LaVercombe as Dylan, Greta's husband and Anna Maguire as Greta, Miriam's sister, among 6 credited actors.

Where can I watch Violation?

In the US, Violation is streaming on AMC Plus, AMC+ and Hoopla and available to rent or buy on Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How is Violation rated?

Violation has 5.3/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic and 55% on TMDB.

Does Violation have a post-credit scene?

No. Violation has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app