Angelina Jolie’s Survival Thriller Is On Top Of The Streaming World

Angelina Jolie's Those Who Wish Me Dead is #1 on HBO Max.

By Chad Langen | Updated

Directed by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, Those Who Wish Me Dead is a gripping tale of survival and redemption. Although the film did not gain much attention in theaters, it has found success through streaming. Currently, the dramatic thriller, which stars Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie, is the number one movie on HBO Max, according to Flix Patrol.

Those Who Wish Me Dead is based on the novel of the same name by author Michael Kortya. In the film, Angelina Jolie plays Hannah Faber, a smoke jumper battling PTSD after failing to save three children from a forest fire. When a young boy named Connor seeks her help after witnessing a murder, Hannah must protect him from a pair of assassins who are determined to silence him.

As Hannah and Connor flee through the Montana wilderness, they face a series of obstacles, including the unforgiving terrain and the assassins on their tails. The killers are Jack and Patrick Blackwell, a father-and-son duo hired by a powerful figure to eliminate the boy and anyone who gets in their way. Meanwhile, Hannah must confront her past traumas while trying to keep Connor safe.

In addition to Angelina Jolie, Those Who Wish Me Dead features a talented cast that includes Nicholas Hoult, Jon Bernthal, Finn Little, Aidan Gillen, Jake Weber, Tory Kittles, and Tyler Perry. Hoult, who plays one of the assassins pursuing Little’s character, said he was drawn to the project because of Taylor Sheridan’s involvement. He referred to the filmmaker as one of the greatest storytellers in the industry.

Those Who Wish Me Dead was filmed in New Mexico and Montana, with Sheridan using the natural beauty of the landscapes to enhance the movie’s atmosphere. The production team even went as far as to start controlled forest fires in order to create the perfect backdrop for certain scenes. Angelina Jolie, who is known for performing many of her own dangerous stunts, reportedly underwent extensive training for her role, including learning to use a chainsaw, rappel down cliffs, and fight with a fire ax.

One of the film’s most impressive sequences involves a forest fire that threatens to engulf Angelina Jolie and Finn Little’s characters. The scene was shot on location, and the filmmakers worked with a team of firefighters to ensure that the fire was controlled and that everyone was safe. The result is a thrilling and visually stunning scene that will leave viewers absolutely breathless.

Those Who Wish Me Dead received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences upon its release, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 63 percent approval rating from critics and a 79 percent audience score. Many viewers have praised Angelina Jolie’s turn in the film, with some saying it is her best performance in years. The chemistry between her and her costar, Finn Little, has also been noted as a highlight of the movie.

Despite the positive reception, Those Who Wish Me Dead did not perform well at the box office. It grossed $2.8 million in its opening weekend, concluding its theatrical run with a mere $20 million globally. However, it is important to note that the movie was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, which undoubtedly impacted its box office numbers.

Overall, Those Who Wish Me Dead is a thrilling and emotional ride that showcases Taylor Sheridan’s skill as a director and writer. While its box office performance may not have been as strong as some of Angelina Jolie’s previous films, its success on HBO Max proves it is resonating with audiences. With its strong performances, spectacular visuals, and gripping plot, the movie is a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre.

Also, be on the lookout for some of Angelina Jolie’s upcoming projects, including Kate, Every Note Played, and next year’s Kung Fu Panda 4. While story details for the long-awaited sequel are being kept under wraps for the time being, the animated film will reportedly follow Po on his wide-eye adventures in ancient China, whose love of kung fu is matched only by an insatiable appetite. In addition to Jolie, the animated feature will star James Hong, Jackie Chan, Jack Black, Lucy Lui, Dustin Hoffman, and David Cross.