Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

Director: Taylor Sheridan

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Finn Little, Aidan Gillen, Nicholas Hoult, Jake Weber, Jon Bernthal

Primary genre: Action

Secondary genre: Thriller

Based on Michael Koryta's novel of the same name, “Those Who Wish Me Dead” (2021) is Taylor Sheridan’s third directional output following a successful career as a writer (“Wind River“ (2016), “Sicario” (2015)).

It does not offer anything that we have not seen before and despite some moments of brevity, there is not much here to distinguish this book adaptation from the mindless action thriller crowd. Angelina Jolie’s much anticipated return to action is a mediocre vehicle that provides her with an anemic role that does not (directly) contribute to the story. Following a strong introduction, the plot is divided into three (mostly unexplained) fractions that all come together in a fiery climax that checks every genre rule.

Yet, disengaging our heroine early on proves to be fatal to the story leaving secondary (and more interesting) characters to take over the simplistic proceedings. Sheridan’s ability though to craft tense moments with sharp editing is undeniable and keeps a momentum of interest. Following a similar take with “Sicario” and “Wind River”, Sheridan’s direction displays a clear love for unique vistas devouring the mountainous forest regions of Montana and relegating the environment as a secondary character. Avoiding the use of CGI, his approach aims mostly for realism away from overcrowded effects driven action films. However, by the time we reach the abrupt finale, we are left wondering how many times Jolie’s character went up and down that bloody watch tower and contemplating the size of the plot holes.

There is a solid cast that supports the straightforward premise. Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillen remain a highlight as a pair of ruthless assassins bringing serious menace to their roles with Hoult in particular evolving into quite the acting chameleon. On the other hand, Jolie spends most of her time muttering profanities and sitting in a chair lacking things to do. Despite an effective chemistry with Finn Little, the same problems that have plagued films with child actors are also present here.

“Those Who Wish Me Dead” is well crafted, with gorgeous locations and a solid cast. However, the slow pace and unengaging main lead along with a mediocre storyline counters its sharp direction and fun performances from Gillen and Hoult.

Gorgeous mediocrity

+Striking landscapes

+Hoult and Gillen

+Realistic approach

+Surprisingly tense moments

-Plotholes

-Anemic Jolie

-Little can be distracting sometimes

-Abrupt finale

-Cliched