A24 is now well-known for producing innovative and independent films. Since starting in 2012, the studio has released over 150 movies and become a major force in the film industry, particularly for its unique and artist-focused projects like Hereditary, Lady Bird, and Moonlight. One of A24’s lesser-known films, a 2014 crime thriller, is now available on HBO Max, giving audiences a chance to discover or revisit it.
HBO Max has been streaming the film A Most Violent Year since early January. Released as one of A24’s first movies, it stars Oscar Isaac as Abel Morales, a fuel supplier determined to stay honest in New York City during the particularly dangerous winter of 1981. The film also features Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks.
A Most Violent Year Is a Masterful Crime Drama and One of the Best Films of the 2010s
If you haven’t seen A Most Violent Year, make sure to watch it on HBO Max before it’s gone. While it’s not A24’s highest-rated film (it currently ranks at No. 66 with an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – which says a lot about the studio’s overall quality), it’s one of their standout early movies and a perfect example of how to build suspense, deliver strong performances, and create a captivating mood.
Despite its title suggesting a typical gangster movie filled with action, A Most Violent Year is actually a slow-burning, suspenseful drama. Set in New York City in 1981, the film explores themes of morality, ethics, and the challenges of achieving the American Dream. Instead of relying on intense violence, it builds tension through atmosphere and focuses on the psychological strain of trying to maintain integrity in a corrupt world. Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain give outstanding performances with a captivating onscreen connection, described as a subtle but powerful romance. Ultimately, this is a character-driven film that will appeal to viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers over action-packed blockbusters.
Critics praised A Most Violent Year as a uniquely beautiful and memorable film. While it didn’t get the widespread attention it deserved, audiences generally liked it, giving it a 69% rating on the Popcornmeter.
What’s New on HBO Max?
HBO Max has a lot of excellent movies and shows available. This January, they added several films from A24, including A Most Violent Year, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Ex Machina, Moonlight, and While We’re Young. They’ve also recently added classics like Fargo (1996) and Taxi Driver, as well as the series World Without End.
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2026-02-01 00:20