Viggo Mortensen writes and directs The Dead Don’t Hurt, a western about a dude who falls in love, gets laid, and then foolishly decides to high tail it to fight in the American Civil War. When he returns, he discovers things have changed.

Polar opposite to this summer’s other western—Kevin Costner’s sprawling, epic-ish, messy, and frankly pretty stupid Horizon: Part 1–The Dead Don’t Hurt is small. Focused. Contained. Emotional. Thoughtful.

Though not without its bursts of action and gunfire, the movie is a drama, one about love and attachment even when separated by death. Mortensen, strong as ever, wisely puts hi co-star Vicky Krieps center stage. She shoulders much of the heavy burden, delivering a quietly searing performance. Mortensen is good too, delicately playing a man hardened by the frontier but who very much feels, loves, and wants to be a good person.

The Dead Don’t Hurt is a well made, tightly told film. It may not achieve new heights nor will it likely be well known a decade from now, but it’s a worthy exploration of love, grief, and yes, revenge.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.