Pretty Lethal Soundtrack: Every Song From the Amazon Prime Video Thriller
The pulse-pounding action thriller Pretty Lethal, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, isn’t just a showcase for the physical prowess of its cast – including Lana Condor, Maddie Ziegler, and Uma Thurman – but too boasts a soundtrack that blends classical elegance with contemporary beats. The film follows a ballet troupe fighting for survival after a roadside breakdown turns into a terrifying ordeal. Beyond the suspense, the music of Pretty Lethal adds another layer of tension and energy to the story.
The score for Pretty Lethal is the work of Paul Leonard-Morgan, a composer with a diverse background in film and television. His previous credits include the gritty action of Dredd (2012), the motoring mayhem of The Grand Tour, and the recent miniseries Fellow Travelers, demonstrating a clear range in his ability to score dramatically different projects. Leonard-Morgan’s work on Pretty Lethal aims to underscore the ballerinas’ vulnerability and resilience as they navigate increasingly dangerous circumstances.
Needle Drops and Balletic Rhythms
While Leonard-Morgan provides the original score, Pretty Lethal also incorporates a selection of pre-existing tracks, carefully chosen to amplify specific moments. Perhaps the most prominent is Snap!’s 1992 dance anthem, ‘Rhythm Is A Dancer,’ which appears not once, but twice throughout the film. The song’s driving beat and energetic vibe provide a stark contrast to the refined world of ballet, hinting at the chaos that unfolds. A “Ballerina Remix” of the track is also featured.
The film’s climactic fight scene is underscored by selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a deliberate choice that plays with the ballerinas’ professional lives and the violence they’re forced to confront. This juxtaposition of beauty and brutality is a recurring theme in Pretty Lethal, and the music plays a crucial role in highlighting it. Beyond these key tracks, the soundtrack includes a mix of orchestral pieces and contemporary pop, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Here’s a complete list of the songs featured in Pretty Lethal:
- ‘Rhythm Is A Dancer (Ballerina Remix)’ – Snap!
- ‘Palladio – Concerto Grasso For Strings’ – Budapest Studio Orchestra
- ‘Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now!)’ – The C&C Music Factory Choir
- ‘All The Cards’ – Loyko
- ‘Road Of The Gypsies’ – Loyko
- ‘Szia’ – Sisi
- ‘Players’ – Coi Leray
The Sound of Survival: Building Tension Through Music
The inclusion of ‘Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now!)’ by The C&C Music Factory Choir adds another layer of irony to the film’s narrative. The song’s upbeat tempo and celebratory lyrics stand in sharp contrast to the life-or-death situation the ballerinas find themselves in, creating a sense of unsettling tension. Similarly, Loyko’s tracks, ‘All The Cards’ and ‘Road Of The Gypsies,’ contribute to the film’s atmospheric soundscape, hinting at the characters’ desperation and the unpredictable nature of their journey.
The choice to include Coi Leray’s ‘Players’ might seem unexpected in a film centered around ballet, but it speaks to the filmmakers’ desire to create a soundtrack that feels both contemporary and relevant. Leray, a rising star in the hip-hop world, brings a fresh energy to the film, appealing to a wider audience. You can find more about Coi Leray’s music and career on Billboard.
Beyond the Score: The Cast and Creative Team
Pretty Lethal features a cast led by Maddie Ziegler and Lana Condor, alongside Iris Apatow, Millicent Simmonds, and Avantika. The film is directed by Vicky Jewson, known for her work on independent thrillers. Uma Thurman adds significant star power to the ensemble, playing a role that remains largely under wraps in promotional materials. The dynamic between these actors, and the challenges of portraying a fractured ballet troupe, are central to the film’s appeal.
The film’s premise – a group of competitive dancers stranded and targeted – taps into a popular subgenre of action thrillers, but Pretty Lethal distinguishes itself through its focus on female protagonists and its exploration of the pressures and sacrifices inherent in the world of professional ballet. The film’s marketing has emphasized the physicality of the roles, with Ziegler specifically undergoing a “ballet boot camp” to prepare for the demanding choreography, as reported by People Magazine.
What’s Next for the Pretty Lethal Team?
With Pretty Lethal now available for streaming, the focus shifts to audience reception and potential future projects for the cast and crew. Lana Condor has several upcoming films in development, while Maddie Ziegler continues to balance her acting career with her work as a dancer and choreographer. Paul Leonard-Morgan is reportedly attached to score an upcoming science fiction series, though details remain scarce. Vicky Jewson’s next directorial venture is currently unconfirmed, but she is actively developing several projects. The success of Pretty Lethal on Amazon Prime Video could pave the way for a sequel or spin-off, but no official announcements have been made at this time.
The film’s availability on Amazon Prime Video provides a wide audience access to both the thrilling narrative and the carefully curated soundtrack. For those interested in exploring more of Paul Leonard-Morgan’s work, his discography is available on IMDb, offering a glimpse into the breadth of his musical talent.