Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in Montana's Park County, a region known for its vast forests, rugged mountains, and breathtaking natural landscapes. This wilderness setting is central to the story, as the characters must navigate dangerous terrain while evading both wildfires and pursuers.

• montana
• park county
• wilderness
• setting
• location

The Montana wilderness serves as both an obstacle and a character in the film. The raging wildfires create an escalating natural disaster that forces characters into life-or-death situations, while the remote forests and mountains provide the isolated backdrop for the cat-and-mouse pursuit between the protagonists and their trackers.

• wildfire
• montana
• wilderness
• nature
• forest

The movie takes place in contemporary times, though no specific year is mentioned. The setting reflects modern-day issues including environmental disasters, personal trauma, and crime that are prevalent in today's society.

• contemporary
• time period
• modern era

The three dominant themes are Survival, Family, and Grief. Survival drives the characters against both nature's fury and human threats. Family explores the protective bonds between parents and children. Grief centers on Hannah's struggle with loss and guilt following a tragic incident, which fuels her self-destructive behavior and eventual redemption.

• themes
• survival
• family
• grief
• loss

Grief is the emotional core of the film, primarily through Hannah's character. After losing colleagues in a forest fire, she wrestles with profound sorrow and guilt that leads to self-destructive choices. Her journey from grief to determination showcases how personal tragedy can impact mental health and ultimately compel someone to protect others in life-and-death situations.

• grief
• hannah
• trauma
• loss
• emotional journey

Survival represents the film's constant battle between characters and overwhelming circumstances. Both natural disasters (wildfires) and human threats (assassins) force characters to summon inner strength and resilience. The theme highlights how extreme situations can push people beyond their limits and transform them.

• survival
• wildfire
• danger
• resilience
• threats

Hannah Faber is a skilled smoke-jumper portrayed by Angelina Jolie. She is deeply affected by past trauma from losing colleagues in a fire, struggling with grief and guilt. Her role evolves from a self-destructive individual to a protective guardian figure for young Connor, as she confronts her inner demons while helping him survive.

• hannah faber
• angelina jolie
• smoke jumper
• guardian

Owen Casserly is a forensic accountant played by Jake Weber. He discovers a murder conspiracy, which puts him and his young son Connor in grave danger. His resourcefulness and determination to protect his son drive much of the film's tension, demonstrating the extreme lengths a parent will go to for their child's safety.

• owen casserly
• jake weber
• forensic accountant
• father

Connor Casserly is the young son of Owen, portrayed by Finn Little. He is thrust into a dangerous world due to his father's discoveries. His innocence contrasts sharply with the life-threatening pressures of survival, and he represents the hope and future that Hannah strives to protect throughout the chaos.

• connor casserly
• finn little
• child
• innocence

The primary antagonists are Patrick (played by Nicholas Hoult) and Jack (played by Aidan Gillen). These two collaborate to hunt down Owen and his family. Patrick represents the lurking danger pursuing the protagonists, while Jack's cunning tactics make him a formidable threat, creating sustained tension throughout the narrative.

• patrick
• nicholas hoult
• jack
• aidan gillen
• antagonists
• assassins

The film maintains a tense, high-intensity atmosphere with a strong undercurrent of melancholy. While the relentless pursuit and survival stakes create constant suspense, the emotional weight stems primarily from themes of traumatic loss and the endangerment of a child. The ending is bittersweet, combining survival and hope with significant losses.

• tone
• mood
• intense
• tense
• melancholy
• bittersweet

Ethan Sawyer is played by Jon Bernthal and serves as Deputy Sheriff. He is Owen's brother-in-law, making him part of the family unit. His role is that of a steadfast ally concerned for both Owen's and Hannah's well-being. His protective instincts emerge strongly when faced with life-threatening situations, though the film sees him face tragic consequences.

• ethan sawyer
• jon bernthal
• deputy sheriff
• family