The story of two settlers in the American frontier in the 1860’s. French-Canadian Vivienne La Coudy (Vicky Krieps) meets the Danish Holger Olsen (Viggo Mortensen) in San Francisco and heads out with him to the quiet town of Elk Flats, Nevada to make a life together. 

The film opens with Vivienne’s death and a shoot out in town and then proceeds to play out as two storylines nested within each other. The first is how Vivienne and Holger met, made their life together and came to this point. The second explains who the culprit of the shooting is and what Holger does next for him and his young son. 

As with all good westerns the scenery and the manner in which it is shot is breathtaking and the pacing gives you plenty of time to take it all in. Whilst the story takes in a sweet and gentle love story, the hardships and challenges of the frontier, corruption within the frontier town (led by Danny Houston’s mayor and Garret Dillahunt’s rancher) and the Civil War in which Holger feels he must take part. 

Vicky Krieps is the real star and heart of the film. Her character fighting back against a male dominated world despite the knock backs she receives. 

The Dead Don’t Hurt appears to have been somewhat of a passion project for Viggo Mortensen who takes on the duties of star, writer, director, producer and composer of this classic western that focuses on the lives of immigrants in a young America. The end result being a satisfying but not mind blowing entry to the genre. Fans of the genre will definitely enjoy the experience.