Two pioneers fight for their lives and their love on the American frontier during the Civil War.
Viggo Mortensen is that rare breed of actor-turned-director who can infuse his films with an emotional intensity that leaves audiences wanting more. Having honed his craft under the tutelage of cinematic giants like Peter Jackson, Ron Howard, and David Cronenberg, Mortensen has clearly absorbed the masterclasses in storytelling and brought those lessons to his work, making each frame distinctly his own. He stands alongside Clint Eastwood as one of the few actors who have successfully navigated the leap behind the camera, and his work is all the more potent for it.
In “The Dead Don’t Hurt,” Mortensen pulls triple duty as actor, writer, and director, and he excels in every role. He embodies the brooding Danish immigrant Holger Olsen, a man who has found a fragile sense of belonging in a small Nevada town. When he meets the fiery French-Canadian Vivienne Le Coudy (Vicky Krieps), the sparks fly, and they build a life that is as passionate as it is precarious. But when Holger makes the fateful decision to enlist in the Union Army, their world begins to unravel. Years later, his return sets off a chain reaction of revelations and heartbreak that will test the limits of their love.
On its surface, “The Dead Don’t Hurt” promises a revenge thriller, but Mortensen has something far more nuanced in store. This is a film about two fiercely independent souls who must learn to surrender to their need for each other. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, lingering on the quiet moments that are the true foundation of any relationship – the shared laughter, the stolen glances, and the mundane rituals that bind two people together. Mortensen and Krieps bring a depth and vulnerability to their performances that makes every moment feel achingly real.
As Holger sets out to avenge the wrongs done to Vivienne, Mortensen brings a chilling restraint to the role. This is no mindless rampage; Holger’s fury simmers just below the surface, making him all the more terrifying. Krieps matches him beat for beat, her character’s pain and defiance etched on every inch of her face. These are people who have traveled across continents to find each other, and their love is strong enough to overcome even the darkest of traumas.
The film’s non-linear structure may be jarring at first, but as the puzzle pieces fall into place, the true power of Mortensen’s vision becomes clear. He jumps back and forth through time, weaving together the threads of Holger and Vivienne’s story into a tapestry that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. By the time the final reckoning arrives, we are fully invested in their fate, and the payoff is all the more satisfying for it.
With “The Dead Don’t Hurt,” Mortensen cements his place as a director to watch. His fearless approach to storytelling, combined with his raw talent as a performer, results in a film that will linger long after the credits roll. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a brilliant directing career, and audiences are lucky to be along for the ride.
In Theaters Friday, May 31st
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