Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

My Review

“Those Who Wish Me Dead” is an action-thriller film about a firefighter who must protect a traumatized boy (who just witnessed his father’s murder) while dodging a massive wildfire. Director Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone” television series 2018-2024) kept a tight reign on this traditional action picture, with good production values, quality performances, and lucid writing. He co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Koryta and Charles Leavitt. It was adapted from the 2014 novel of the same name by Koryta.

The cast includes Angelina Jolie as the smokejumper, Finn Little as the 12-year-old, Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillan as the heavies of the piece, Jake Weber as the boy’s father, Boots Southerland as the sheriff, Tyler Perry as the hitmen’s boss, Jon Bernthal and Tory Kittles are the deputy sheriffs, and James Jordan plays the district attorney. The watchable “Those Who Wish Me Dead” was a modest success in theatrical release for New Line Cinema, Bron Cinema, and Warner Bros. Pictures. It was filmed in New Mexico.