From director Taylor Sheridan, the man behind Sicario, Hell or High Water, Wind River, and Yellowstone, Those Who Wish Me Dead is a 2021 crime thriller that tells the story of a teenage murder witness who finds himself pursued by twin assassins in the Montana wilderness with a survival expert tasked with protecting him -- and a forest fire threatening to consume them all. The film is based on the novel from Michael Koryta. The cast includes Angelina Jolie, Jon Bernthal, Nicholas Hoult, Tyler Perry, Aidan Gillen, and Finn Little. The film is scheduled for a theatrical and HBO Max release on May 14th, 2021 from Warner Bros. Pictures.

THE GOOD

Taylor Sheridan is the man, end of story. Whether we are talking about Sicario, Hell or High Water, or Wind River, the former Son’s of Anarchy actor is easily one of my favorite writer/directors. If he is involved with a film you can rest assured it will pack a punch, and that is certainly the case here. Those Who Wish Me Dead is an exciting crime thriller set in the beautiful state of Montana.

I really enjoyed the story and thought it was paced well with plenty of depth. In true Taylor Sheridan fashion, the film has a gritty feel throughout and characters that you genuinely care about. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. The score and cinematography are incredible as well, bringing rural Montana roaring to life.

The acting is next level from top to bottom, with fantastic performances from Angelina Jolie and Jon Bernthal. Bernthal has been a favorite of mine since his Walking Dead days and continues with the perfect role here. I also really enjoyed the complex characters Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillen played as the films primary antagonists. Young Australian actor Finn Little impressed me as well, and likely has a bright future ahead of him.

THE BAD

I don’t have much negative to say about Those Who Wish Me Dead, but if I wanted to nitpick I suppose I would point out the fact that after the conclusion viewers still have some questions about the backstory that drives the films narrative. I get that some people need all of the details and a nice little bow tied on at the end of a movie, but it doesn’t bother me that much. With that being said, this is based on a book and it is extremely difficult to fit everything in the movie version - one more reason to read the book, right? I will be picking it up soon myself.

THE VERDICT

Top-tier acting matched only by the incredible scenery and engaging storyline, Those Who Wish Me Dead is a crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I still need to read the book, but I am a Taylor Sheridan Guy through and through. He just gets it when it comes to crime thrillers and always seems to work with the best actors.

You can catch Those Who Wish Me Dead on HBO Max, but if you are like and prefer the theater experience, it is well worth the price of admission.