Release Date
July 12, 2019 (Limited)
July 19, 2019
July 19, 2019
Director
Writer
Studio
Running Time
104 minutes
MPAA Rating
Rated R for violence, sexual content, graphic nudity and language
A dark comedy set in the world of karate. The film centers on Casey (Jesse Eisenberg), who is attacked at random on the street and enlists in a local dojo led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), in an effort to learn how to defend himself. What he uncovers is a sinister world of fraternity, violence and hypermasculinity and a woman (Imogen Poots) fighting for her place in it. Casey undertakes a journey,... Full synopsis »
MOVIE REVIEW
Move over Yorgos Lanthimos, there’s a new wizard of dark, literal comedy. Riley Stearns’ second feature film, The Art of Self-Defense, is an utterly entertaining and sharply written dark comedy that draws you in and karate chops you upside the head. Full movie review »
