A teenage boy who has just witnessed the murder of his father goes on the run with a smoke jumper stationed on fire watch in the Montana wilderness. Can they escape the hitmen on their trail and a blazing fire threatening the entire area? 

When two assassins (Aidan Gillen and Nicholas Hoult) kill a district attorney it strikes fear into forensic accountant Owen Casserly (Jake Weber). Knowing that he will be next he takes his young son Connor (Finn Little) on the run planning to hide out with brother in law Ethan (Jon Bernthal) and his survivalist wife Allison (Medina Senghore). Failing to make their destination Owen finds himself under the care of smoke jumper Hannah (Angelina Jolie) who is still troubled by a fire a year ago that claimed the lives of three boys. 

There is a lot going on in Those Who Wish Me Dead. Based on the novel by Michael Koryta it has been adapted by him, Charles Leavitt and director Taylor Sheridan. Whilst they successfully manage to give each character an intriguing back story and motivation they struggle a little with the grandiose self sacrifice that seems to be built into every single one of them. If you can stomach just how noble everyone is in the face of a blazing firestorm there is an entertaining thriller here driven by some enjoyable performances. 

Jolie and child actor Finn Little have good chemistry. Little sells his unlucky youngster well and lands a few funny moments. Jolie on the other hand is the charismatic risk taker that reminded me of a 1980’s adventure film hero. Bernthal and Senghore are another good double act as well. A believable couple whose survival skills come to good use. But the absolute stars of the film are Gillen and Hoult. Playing brother assassins their relationship is genuinely brilliant, with Gillen’s father figure looking out for Hoult at all times. 

An entertaining watch but perhaps not one for the ages.