Released in theaters on May 31, 2024, before on Digital & VOD July 16th through Shout! Studios, The Dead Don’t Hurt is the most recent films written/directed by the award-nominated Viggo Mortenson. Known for his various acclaimed acting roles, including as Aragorn in the Fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings, Mortenson made his directorial debut in 2020 with the Drama feature Falling. Originally premiering at the Toronto Film Festival back in September 2023, now we have The Dead Don’t Hurt, which again is not only written and directed by Mortenson, but features him as a leading star. Joined by Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread 2017, The Survivor 2021), Solly Mcleod (Tom Jones 2023, Jericho Ridge 2023), Garret Dillahunt (Deadwood series, Fear of the Walking Dead series), Colin Morgan (Merlin series, Humans series), and Ray McKinnon (Apollo 13 1995, Sons of Anarchy series), this impressive cast leads the way for the gut-wrenching love story set during the outbreak of the Civil War.
Following Holger (Mortenson) and Vivienne (Krieps), Holger is a Danish immigrant and Vivenne a strong fierce woman who enters a relationship after a chance encounter in San Francisco. It is here that Vivienne decides to leave the bustling city life behind in the hopes of starting a new life in rural Nevada.
Seeming to be all good and fine, after the eruption of the Civil War, Holger decides to ultimately fight for the Union; leaving Vivienne behind to fend for herself in the harsh environment. Leaving her to the elements and the villains who run the lawless, tumultuous environment that is now her home, Vivienne finds herself vulnerable. As an outsider dealing with the everyday lawlessness that intends to corrupt her home, armed with only her wit and her backbone she chooses to live life on her terms. With her life becoming complicated after one ghastly and appalling encounter with the town villain, she still proceeds with building a home for her and her family.
Overall, The Dead Don’t Hurt showcases the talent that Mortenson has for writing with heart and subsistence. He has captured the grim reality of the West during the time of the Civil War, and thus creates a dark tale about the Wild West united with a heartfelt love story. Furthermore, the acting portrays every feeling the adept and brilliant script brings to the audience. In fact, Vicky Krieps is amazing in her role as Vivienne; because she dominated the screen and showed that her acting ability is wide. Viggo Mortenson is proving that he can not only act with the best of them, but he can also be a fierce writer and director. Interested to see what he does next, Cryptic Rock gives The Dead Don’t Hurt 5 of 5 stars.
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