5/16/21 - Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021) - 5+/6-
It solidly fit in its tropes, but doesn’t often talk down to the genre or it’s audience. The psychology is novelly approached, the dialogue is clean and sensible, and the overall plot and drama of the film is legible and engaging.
It doesn’t push the melodrama too much and keeps the action thrilling enough. The situations fit, be it a child on the run, a lonely pained firefighter, or the last people you ever want to mess with. The role and abilities of the survivalist was plot strong and drama rich. A worthy addition, as was most things in the story.
Fire jumpers/forest firefighters is a strong angle conceptually, but hasn’t really yielded the film results one would hope for. But it is exciting and I liked its tackling of the personalities involved - brash, thrill-seeking, somewhat unhinged. That makes sense and lends credibility and pathos.
Hoult (further exploring his villainous role tendencies) and multipurpose weasel Aiden Gillen are logical evil agents. They don’t get too theatrical or unbelievable. Similar to Jolie, solidly filling her role without over-sexing or over-gritting.
Sheridan is good at this “rural action thriller” genre, allowing for style and drama without talking down. It’s not his strongest work, but he suitably lends his sensibilities to a solid set-up. Its not spectacular, but suitably watchable and magnetic.
