The Sicario series has left a strong mark on the crime-thriller genre with its grim portrayal of the drug war on the US-Mexico border. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Sicario (2015) was lauded for its tension, gritty realism, and performances by Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin. Its sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), directed by Stefano Sollima, continues the story but shifts the focus in several ways. For moviegoers wondering whether it’s necessary to watch the first film before delving into the sequel, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your preferences for story continuity, character development, and the understanding of context.
In this article, we’ll explore the two films, highlighting the key differences and connections, and examining whether Sicario (2015) is essential viewing before watching Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018).
Overview of Sicario (2015)
Sicario, which means “hitman” in Spanish, is a taut, suspense-filled thriller. The plot follows FBI agent Kate Macer (played by Emily Blunt), who is recruited into a covert anti-drug task force. Her idealistic views clash with the brutal methods of the team led by CIA agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro), a mysterious operative with a personal vendetta.
The story centers on the war on drugs between the U.S. government and Mexican drug cartels, specifically focused on moral ambiguity and the devastating consequences of this war. The film paints a grim and often hopeless picture of law enforcement’s attempts to dismantle cartel networks, with a heavy emphasis on the corrupting nature of power and the moral cost of violence.
Sicario is celebrated for its:
- Realism and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of the drug trade.
- Masterful direction by Denis Villeneuve, who creates intense suspense.
- Exceptional performances, particularly by Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and Benicio del Toro.
- Roger Deakins’ cinematography, which gives the film a haunting, visual edge.
Overview of Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
Sicario: Day of the Soldado shifts gears in many ways from the first film. Emily Blunt’s character, Kate Macer, is absent, and the film primarily follows Josh Brolin’s Matt Graver and Benicio del Toro’s Alejandro Gillick. This time, the U.S. government tasks them with inciting a war between rival Mexican cartels by kidnapping the daughter of a powerful cartel leader.
The sequel expands the scope of the conflict beyond the drug war, touching on issues of terrorism and human trafficking. It takes a deeper dive into Alejandro’s backstory and presents a more personal side of the character, showing his motivations and inner conflict. The tone is even darker than the first film, with a focus on brutal violence, revenge, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado stands out for:
- Its focus on the relationship between Graver and Alejandro, making it more of a character study.
- A grittier, more action-packed narrative that delves deeper into Alejandro’s backstory.
- The exploration of political manipulation, highlighting the complexity of U.S. involvement in the drug war.
- Director Stefano Sollima’s handling of the film’s intense action scenes and unrelenting violence.
See also: Is Sicario a True Story? [Revealed]
The Connection Between Sicario 1 and Sicario 2
Both films are linked by their central characters—Matt Graver and Alejandro Gillick. However, there are significant differences in tone, plot structure, and thematic focus between Sicario and Sicario: Day of the Soldado. While Sicario delves into the psychological toll of the drug war and the moral compromises made by law enforcement, the sequel moves more toward an action-thriller mode, focusing on larger geopolitical issues and personal vengeance.
Here’s how the two films connect:
Character Continuity
Matt Graver and Alejandro are the primary links between the two films. In Sicario, Alejandro is a mysterious figure whose motivations are revealed slowly, while Graver serves as the hard-nosed CIA operative willing to bend the rules to achieve his goals. In Day of the Soldado, their roles are expanded. Alejandro becomes more of an anti-hero, and the film dives into his past, revealing why he is so driven by revenge against the cartels.
Thematic Continuity
Both films share themes of moral ambiguity and the futility of the war on drugs, but they approach these themes differently. Sicario leans heavily into the moral dilemmas faced by law enforcement, showing how even the most well-intentioned efforts are corrupted by the need to fight violence with violence. Day of the Soldado, while touching on similar themes, shifts its focus to larger geopolitical issues and personal vendettas, with a greater emphasis on action and spectacle.
Plot Continuity
The storylines of the two films are loosely connected. You don’t need an intimate knowledge of the first film’s plot to follow the events of the second. However, having seen Sicario provides a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations, particularly Alejandro’s, and the history between him and the cartels. Without that context, certain plot points in Day of the Soldado may feel less impactful.
Directorial Shift
Denis Villeneuve’s direction in Sicario was restrained, focusing on building tension through atmosphere and character dynamics. Stefano Sollima, in contrast, takes a more direct approach, with more emphasis on action and kinetic sequences. The tonal shift between the two films is significant, and viewers who expect the same slow-burn intensity of the first film might be surprised by the faster pace and more violent content in the sequel.
Is Sicario Required Viewing Before Day of the Soldado?
Whether or not you need to watch Sicario before its sequel depends largely on what you value in a film. Here are some factors to consider:
Understanding Character Backstory
If you’re the kind of viewer who enjoys understanding a character’s full journey, then watching Sicario first is essential. Alejandro’s character is far more compelling if you’ve seen his actions and motivations unfold in the first film. The tension between Graver and Alejandro is also richer when you know their history and the lengths they went to in the first film to achieve their goals.
Without seeing Sicario, you’ll miss out on the slow build of Alejandro’s character. In the sequel, he’s already established as a feared and complex figure. If you skip the first film, his transformation in the second won’t have the same emotional resonance.
Appreciating the Themes
Sicario sets the stage for the moral complexities and thematic undertones that are further explored in Day of the Soldado. The first film provides a foundation for understanding the ethical dilemmas the characters face, especially when dealing with the blurred lines between good and evil. While the sequel can be enjoyed as a standalone action thriller, the weight of these themes is better appreciated if you’ve seen how they were introduced in Sicario.
Enjoying the Action and Thrills
For viewers who are primarily interested in action and suspense, watching Sicario isn’t strictly necessary. Day of the Soldado works well as a standalone film, with a clear plot and gripping action sequences. It doesn’t rely heavily on the events of the first film, and new viewers can follow the story without much confusion. In this sense, Sicario: Day of the Soldado can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the series, especially for those who prefer fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers over slow-burn suspense.
Exploring Different Directorial Styles
If you’re a fan of Denis Villeneuve’s meticulous style and Roger Deakins’ stunning cinematography, Sicario is a must-see. The first film’s tone and visual style are integral to its impact, and this might influence how you perceive the sequel. Stefano Sollima brings a different energy to Day of the Soldado, with more emphasis on action and less focus on building tension through silence and pacing. Watching Sicario first gives you a better appreciation of how the two films differ in tone and style.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision to watch Sicario before Sicario: Day of the Soldado depends on your preferences as a viewer. If you enjoy character-driven narratives, complex moral themes, and a slower, more atmospheric buildup, Sicario is required viewing. It gives you a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, enriching the experience of the sequel.
However, if you’re more interested in action, suspense, and a self-contained story, Sicario: Day of the Soldado can be enjoyed on its own. While it helps to have seen the first film, it’s not essential for following the plot or enjoying the high-stakes thrills that the sequel delivers.
Ultimately, both films stand on their own merits, but watching Sicario first provides a more complete and satisfying experience, especially in understanding the complex world and characters that drive the story.
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