In a Valley of Violence

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In a Valley of Violence

R

2016

1h 44m

Western

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

73 Reviews

52%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

A mysterious drifter (Ethan Hawke) and his dog journey toward Mexico through the barren desert of the Old West. Hoping to shorten their trip, they cut through a large valley, landing in the forgotten town of Denton -- a place now known as a valley of violence. The once-popular mining town is nearly abandoned and controlled by a group of misfits and nitwits, including the seemingly untouchable Gilly (James Ransone), the troublemaking son of the town's difficult marshal.

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Critics Consensus

In a Valley of Violence offers a smartly conceived homage to classic Westerns that transcends pastiche with absurdist humor and a terrific cast.

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Stephanie Zacharek

TIME Magazine

10/27/2016

West, making his first foray into westerns, doesn't control the tone. Its somber, bone-dry gruffness crumbles to dust, only to be replaced by adolescent jokiness.

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Joe McGovern

Entertainment Weekly

10/24/2016

B

Announces itself as an unabashed B-movie from its pre-credits scene ... and never worries itself about being anything deeper than that.

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Sheila O'Malley

RogerEbert.com

10/21/2016

3/4

In a Valley of Violence does not take itself too seriously (a great asset), but it also takes itself just seriously enough that it's not empty snarky parody.

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

09/04/2023

4/5

All you need is the right catalyst of motivated vengeance and a good filmmaker guides the tumbleweeds, spurs, bullets, and trigger-happy tempers to take it from there.

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Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

05/12/2023

3/5

Thanks to its cast, In a Valley of Violence gives audiences an entertaining revenge thriller set in the Old West, which showcases Ti West's restraint and subtlety.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

08/22/2022

4/5

West and company (wisely) never take their movie too seriously. Even when it’s moving by the numbers, it remains quirky enough to feel slightly off-center.

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Jamie S

@DarthJSha Mar 1

You don't kill a man's dog.

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Downriver R

@Downriver Jan 3

One of the best modern western cowboy movies. It's a must watch. Travolta and Hawke are fantastic. Also Lorraine Warren's little sister from conjuring is awsome in this and the dude from it chapter 2 is great too

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The Major S

@RT19707801 Nov 27

I absolutely loved this film. Feels like a real western.

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Pongo K

@RT48921889 06/07/2025

The movie is trying to be more than what it is. Not very sophisticated, some nonsense conversation, not too great acting. It's ok, but dont't expect too much.

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Paul M

@Sooty30 04/12/2025

I had great expectations but sadly disappointed. Slow, easily read plot

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Alan O

@Alan49770 03/11/2025

What a waste of time. I thought it would be good. The acting was horrendous. The director should work on his capabilities. I always like Ethan Hawk. Want to watch a good movie with him in it watch The Northman. Taissa farmiga is good also watch The Nun.

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Ti West

Director

Ethan Hawke

Paul

John Travolta

Marshal

Taissa Farmiga

Mary-Anne

James Ransone

Gilly

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In a Valley of Violence: Trailer 1

2:13

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Synopsis

A mysterious drifter (Ethan Hawke) and his dog journey toward Mexico through the barren desert of the Old West. Hoping to shorten their trip, they cut through a large valley, landing in the forgotten town of Denton -- a place now known as a valley of violence. The once-popular mining town is nearly abandoned and controlled by a group of misfits and nitwits, including the seemingly untouchable Gilly (James Ransone), the troublemaking son of the town's difficult marshal.

Director: Ti West
Producer: Jason Blum, Jacob Jaffke, Peter Phok
Screenwriter: Ti West
Distributor: Focus World
Production Co: Glass Eye Pix, Blumhouse Productions, Focus Features
Rating: R (Violence and Language)
Genre: Western
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 21, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 27, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $50.4K
Runtime: 1h 44m