The Dead Don’t Hurt review: Viggo Mortensen’s tender, thoughtful western is an unexpected triumph

In cinemas; Cert 15A

Viggo Mortensen in 'The Dead Don't Die'

Chris Wasser

We begin at the end. On the face of it, Viggo Mortensen’s tender, thoughtful western looks to be a tad disorganised.

It’s an unusual film, full of poignant flashbacks and tragic flash-forwards, and you may wonder why Mortensen – who writes, directs, composes, co-produces and stars – fashioned it that way. It’ll make sense after you’ve watched it.