Viggo Mortensen is back, and this time he’s wearing more hats than ever. Not only does he write, direct, produce, and co-star in The Dead Don’t Hurt, but he also composed the original score for the film. This multi-faceted project showcases Mortensen’s versatility and shows a side of him we rarely see.

The Dead Don’t Hurt soundtrack, officially titled Music For The Movie, is a masterclass in musical storytelling. Mortensen employs a minimalist palette of solo piano, violin, and cello to craft a soundscape that's as intimate as it is evocative. The melodies range from reserved and meditative to deeply suspenseful and plaintive, perfectly mirroring the film’s intricate narrative of love, revenge, and forgiveness.

Set against the rugged backdrop of the 1860s American frontier, The Dead Don’t Hurt tells the tale of Vivienne Le Coudy (Vicky Krieps), a fiercely independent woman who falls in love with Danish immigrant Holger Olsen, played by Mortensen. Their journey together takes them to Elk Flats, Nevada, where their lives are disrupted by the outbreak of the Civil War. Olsen’s decision to fight for the Union leaves Le Coudy to navigate a perilous existence in a town dominated by the corrupt Mayor Rudolph Schiller (Danny Huston) and his partner, ruthless rancher Alfred Jeffries (Garrett Dillahunt).

The soundtrack amplifies the tension as Le Coudy contends with the violent advances of Weston (Solly McLeod), Jeffries' wayward son. Mortensen’s compositions add layers to the film’s exploration of personal resilience and the quest for justice in a world rife with corruption and violence. When Olsen returns from war, the couple must face the changes within themselves and their relationship, with Mortensen’s score underscoring every emotional beat.