The Art of Self-Defense Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Plot

After he’s attacked on the street at night by a roving motorcycle gang, timid bookkeeper Casey (Jesse Eisenberg) joins a neighborhood karate studio to learn how to protect himself. Under the watchful eye of a charismatic instructor, Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), and hardcore brown belt Anna (Imogen Poots), Casey gains a newfound sense of confidence for the first time in his life. But when he attends Sensei’s mysterious night classes, he discovers a sinister world of fraternity, brutality and hyper-masculinity, presenting a journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor.

Comedy Drama Dark Comedy

• 
  Jesse Eisenberg

  The Social Network, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t

• 
  Imogen Poots

  The Chronology of Water, Hedda

• 
  Alessandro Nivola

  Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, The Brutalist

Who is making The Art of Self-Defense – Crew List

A look at The Art of Self-Defense behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Riley Stearns last helmed Dual and Faults. The film's writer Riley Stearns last penned Dual and Faults.

Director

Riley Stearns

Screenwriter

Riley Stearns

Production – What we know about the The Art of Self-Defense

Copy link to Production – What we know about the The Art of Self-Defense

Movie Filming Timeline: Production Status Updates

Mar 2018

Completed

Changed The Art of Self-Defense movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

Have updates about The Art of Self-Defense? We'd love to hear from you!

Submit update

Additional Information

Q&A: Asked about The Art of Self-Defense

Looking for more information on The Art of Self-Defense?

Official Links

• Official Site

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Watch on Apple TV Buy on Movie Unlimited Stream on Amazon More Info on IMDb