A Most Violent Year is a 2014 American period crime drama film written and directed by J. C. Chandor. The film stars Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain with Alessandro Nivola, David Oyelowo, Albert Brooks, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. The protagonist is Abel Morales (Isaac), the owner of a small heating oil company who is stressed by the competitiveness in the oil trade and having to secure costly loans to expand his business. When his truck drivers start getting hijacked, there is increased pressure for him and his drivers to arm themselves. Its world premiere was the opening film of the AFI Fest on November 6, 2014, and was released theatrically on December 31, 2014. The film garnered positive reviews, and won the National Board of Review Award for Best Film.