The score features acoustic music representing the Midwestern United States, and draws inspiration from classical Americana songs, that depicts the relationship between the leading characters, despite the horror setting.

Both Reznor and Ross had discussed extensively regarding the score, where Guadagnino stated that he wanted it to be "a melancholic elegy, an unending longing.

[2] Ross added, "When the film opens, there’s the element of the love themes that the characters haven’t found themselves, but as the story progresses, it becomes more intense and intertwined.

And the beauty of his camera work and the set design and the sense of place and just the sadness of the story came into full focus for us, and we were off to the races.

[8] In addition to the original score, the non-album songs featured in the film are: "Everything I Need" by Men at Work, "Save a Prayer" by Duran Duran, “Cadillac Encounter” by The Mears Brothers”, "Lick It Up" by Kiss, "Amarillo by Morning" by George Strait, "Your Silent Face" by New Order, "Atmosphere" by Joy Division, "The Sun Always Shines on T.V."