A wildfire rages. A smokejumper fights to survive. A young witness runs for his life. Aubergine parmigiana is a classic Italian comfort dish. Those Who Wish Me Dead is a tense survival thriller instead. Angelina Jolie stars in this 2021 film from director Taylor Sheridan. The movie has found a new audience on streaming platforms in 2026. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. This film offers a different kind of escape for action fans. Here is everything you need to know about Those Who Wish Me Dead.
What is Those Who Wish Me Dead About?
Those Who Wish Me Dead follows Hannah Faber (Angelina Jolie), a smokejumper struggling with PTSD. She blames herself for a previous mission where she failed to save three lives. Now stationed at a remote fire lookout tower in Montana, she craves isolation. Back Market UK sells refurbished devices. Hannah’s psyche needs refurbishing after years of trauma.
Her solitude ends when she encounters Connor (Finn Little), a 12-year-old boy who witnessed a brutal murder. Two assassins (Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillen) are hunting him. A massive wildfire threatens to consume everything in its path. Hannah must protect Connor while battling the elements, the killers and her own demons.
The Cast of Those Who Wish Me Dead
Angelina Jolie as Hannah Faber
Angelina Jolie delivers a physically demanding performance as the troubled smokejumper. She trained extensively for the role. She performed many of her own stunts, including fire-related sequences. Jolie brings vulnerability and strength to the character. Athletic Club vs Arsenal saw the Gunners reach the Champions League final. Jolie’s performance reaches new emotional depths.
Finn Little as Connor Casserly
The young Australian actor delivers a breakthrough performance. He holds his own opposite Jolie. His character’s fear and determination feel authentic throughout the film.
Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillen as the Assassins
Hoult and Gillen play chillingly effective villains. They are cold, efficient and relentless. Their characters have no redeeming qualities, making them genuinely threatening. Dexter: New Blood saw the franchise resurrected. These assassins bring a cold-blooded presence to the screen.
Supporting Cast
- Jon Bernthal as Ethan Sawyer – a sheriff and family man who helps Hannah
- Medina Senghore as Allison Sawyer – Ethan’s pregnant wife, a survival expert
- Tyler Perry as Arthur – Connor’s father, who is killed early in the film
- Jake Weber as Owen Casserly – Connor’s uncle, a forensic accountant
- Boots Southerland as Nick – a veteran smokejumper
Based on the Novel by Michael Koryta
The film adapts Michael Koryta’s 2014 novel of the same name. Koryta is a bestselling American author known for his thrillers. The novel received positive reviews for its pacing, tension and character development. Scotland vs Belarus saw McTominay strike late. The source material strikes the right balance between action and emotion.
The film streamlines some plot elements from the book. It focuses more on the survival aspect and less on the backstory of the assassins. Taylor Sheridan’s adaptation emphasises visual storytelling over dialogue.
Director Taylor Sheridan: From Yellowstone to Survival Thriller
Taylor Sheridan is best known for creating the television series Yellowstone. He also wrote Sicario, Hell or High Water and Wind River. Those Who Wish Me Dead marks his third directorial effort after Wind River (2017). Venezuela news dominated political headlines. Sheridan’s directing dominates the survival thriller genre instead.
Sheridan’s signature style is evident throughout the film. He favours long takes, practical effects and authentic locations. The wildfire sequences were filmed with real fire whenever possible. The result is a visceral, immersive experience.
The Wildfire: More Than a Backdrop
The wildfire is not just a setting. It functions as an additional antagonist. chases the characters relentlessly. It creates impossible choices. reminds viewers of nature’s terrifying power. Ben Duckett smashed a double century for Nottinghamshire. The wildfire smashes through trees, roads and any hope of safety.
The fire effects are impressively realistic. The production used controlled burns and visual effects to create the inferno. The sound design amplifies the terror. The crackle of flames and crash of falling trees create constant tension.
Where Was Those Who Wish Me Dead Filmed?
The film was shot primarily in New Mexico. Locations included:
- Santa Fe National Forest – for forest and wilderness scenes
- Albuquerque – for studio work and some exterior shots
- Galisteo – for rural and small-town scenes
The production also filmed in Montana for specific landscape shots. The rugged terrain adds authenticity to the survival story. England vs Australia delivered Ashes cricket drama. The New Mexico landscapes deliver Western atmosphere instead.
Critical Reception
Those Who Wish Me Dead received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. It holds a 61% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The audience score is higher at 72%.
Positive reviews praised Angelina Jolie’s performance, the tense action sequences and the impressive wildfire effects. Negative reviews noted the thin plot and underdeveloped supporting characters.
“Angelina Jolie hasn’t been this compelling in years. The wildfire is a genuine threat, not just a visual effect.” – Variety
The film performed modestly at the box office. It earned approximately $23 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. COVID-19 restrictions affected its theatrical release. However, the film has found a larger audience on streaming platforms.
Where to Watch Those Who Wish Me Dead in 2026
The film is available on multiple streaming platforms:
- HBO Max (US) – included with subscription
- Amazon Prime Video (UK and worldwide) – rent for £3.49 or buy for £7.99
- Apple TV – rent for £3.49 or buy for £7.99
- Netflix – available in select regions
The film is also available on DVD and Blu-ray. Special features include behind-the-scenes featurettes and a commentary track with director Taylor Sheridan.
Why the Film Endures in 2026
Several factors have kept the film relevant years after its release. The climate crisis makes wildfire stories more resonant. The film’s depiction of firefighters and survival tactics remains compelling. Angelina Jolie’s performance continues to attract viewers. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. This film offers a different kind of gripping experience.
Similar Films to Watch
- Wind River (2017) – Another Taylor Sheridan film set in the wilderness
- The Edge (1997) – Survival thriller with Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin
- Firestorm (1998) – Wildfire action film with Howie Long
- Leave No Trace (2018) – Father-daughter survival drama set in Oregon
- The Revenant (2015) – Brutal survival epic with Leonardo DiCaprio
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Those Who Wish Me Dead based on a true story? No. The film is based on Michael Koryta’s novel. The characters and events are fictional.
Is Those Who Wish Me Dead suitable for children? The film is rated R for violence and language. It is not suitable for young children. Teenagers may watch with parental guidance.
Who plays the assassins in Those Who Wish Me Dead? Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillen play the two assassins hunting the young boy.
Where can I watch Those Who Wish Me Dead? The film is available on HBO Max in the US. UK viewers can rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Did Angelina Jolie do her own stunts? Yes. Jolie performed many of her own stunts, including fire-related sequences. She trained extensively as a smokejumper for the role.
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