Written and directed by the acclaimed Viggo Mortensen, “The Dead Don’t Hurt” is a powerful, profoundly personal cinematic Western that artfully blends the action, grit, and thrills of the American West with a captivating story of two pioneers on a life journey fraught with obstacles. This critically acclaimed film, a New York Times Critic’s Pick and Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™, will be available for digital purchase on July 16 and digital rental on July 23 from Shout! Studios.
A Unique Female-Forward Perspective
“The Dead Don’t Hurt” offers a nuanced depiction of the conflict between revenge and forgiveness, delivering a unique female-forward perspective that adds depth and complexity to the story.
Stellar Cast
The film stars Vicky Krieps (Corsage, Phantom Thread) and Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of the Rings, Captain Fantastic, Green Book), alongside an impressive ensemble cast:
- Solly McLeod (HBO’s House of the Dragon, Outlander)
- Garret Dillahunt (Red Right Hand, Fear the Walking Dead)
- Colin Morgan (Belfast, Merlin)
- Ray McKinnon (The Continental, Deadwood)
- W. Earl Brown (The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett)
- Newcomer Atlas Green
- Danny Huston (The Aviator, Children of Men)
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Vicky Krieps was honored with the prestigious TIFF Tribute Performer Award.
Synopsis
Set in the 1860s on the western U.S. frontier, “The Dead Don’t Hurt” tells the story of star-crossed lovers Vivienne Le Coudy (Vicky Krieps) and Danish immigrant Holger Olsen (Viggo Mortensen). Vivienne, a fiercely independent woman, meets Olsen in San Francisco and agrees to travel with him to his home near the quiet town of Elk Flats, Nevada, where they begin a life together. The outbreak of the Civil War separates them when Olsen decides to fight for the Union, leaving Vivienne to fend for herself in a place controlled by corrupt Mayor Rudolph Schiller (Danny Huston) and his unscrupulous business partner, powerful rancher Alfred Jeffries (Garret Dillahunt).
Vivienne faces aggression from Alfred’s violent, wayward son Weston (Solly McLeod) but remains determined to resist his unwanted advances. When Olsen returns from the war, he and Vivienne must confront and reconcile with the people they have become. This film is both a tragic love story and a nuanced portrayal of the conflict between revenge and forgiveness, showcasing a passionate woman standing up for herself in an unforgiving world dominated by ruthless men.
Experience “The Dead Don’t Hurt”
Don’t miss this gripping tale of love, resilience, and redemption. “The Dead Don’t Hurt” will be available for digital purchase on July 16 and for digital rental on July 23 from Shout! Studios. Mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by this modern Western masterpiece.