Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Taylor Sheridan effect has always been surreal. But now, it’s more palpable on Netflix than ever, thanks to Those Who Wish Me Dead.

During the week of September 7th to September 13th, the Angelina Jolie-starrer returned to Netflix’s most popular movies chart in fifth with 4.3million views globally. Meanwhile, in the US, it toppled quite a few blockbusters to secure the second spot, underscoring the film’s massive Stateside popularity.

Directed by Sheridan and based on Michael Kortya’s eponymous novel, Those Who Wish Me Dead is a gritty action-thriller about a young boy, Connor, who, in an attempt to flee with his forensic accountant father, witnesses his father being murdered by a group of ruthless assassins.

Although Connor pulls off an unthinkable escape with a crucial piece of evidence and wanders deep into the forest, the assassins start a fire to lure him out. Lucky for him, he stumbles upon smokejumper Hannah, and together they navigate a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.

For those curious, one of the primary factors driving the resurgence of Those Who Wish Me Dead on Netflix charts is its recent addition to the platform. Since the film is a Warner Bros. title, Max holds its exclusive streaming rights. As a result, its arrival comes as part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s ongoing licensing agreement to share older catalogue films with rival streaming platforms.

As is the case with most recent additions, they become an algorithm favourite without wasting time, and Netflix does all it can to push the title to the home screen carousel, resulting in repeated clicks.

While fans of Yellowstone and Lioness frequently seek out Sheridan’s gritty, survivalist thrillers, this addition hits just the right chord. Of course, we cannot really skip the Angelina Jolie appeal. However, beyond the lead, the ensemble is packed with A-listers, from Jon Bernthal and Nicholas Hoult to Aidan Gillen and Tyler Perry.

Clocking in at a crisp 100 minutes, Those Who Wish Me Dead offers low-investment, high-tension viewing that thrives as a self-contained story. Viewers who are especially burned out on sprawling franchises that require homework or knowledge of prior projects love the straightforward concept since the film starts and closes a story without leaving fans waiting years for a sequel.

So, if you have a Netflix account and are still on the lookout for Sheridan’s signature without wanting to commit to seasons-long shows, Those Who Wish Me Dead definitely deserves a spot on your watchlist.