The Sicario movie series is a gripping, intense exploration of the murky world of drug cartels, law enforcement, and border politics. Known for its suspenseful action and strong performances, Sicario has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. As of today, there are two movies in the Sicario franchise: Sicario (2015) and Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018). Both films delve into the dark, violent underworld of the U.S.-Mexico border and the illegal drug trade, offering a gritty and thought-provoking look at law enforcement’s efforts to curb the power of the cartels.
In this article, we will explore each movie in detail, analyzing their plots, themes, performances, and overall contribution to the genre. We will also discuss the possibility of a third movie in the series and how these films have impacted both the film industry and public discourse on the drug trade.
1. Sicario (2015) – A New Standard for the Crime Thriller Genre
Plot Summary
Sicario, released in 2015, was directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan. The film follows FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) as she is recruited by a mysterious government task force led by Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro) to combat the Mexican drug cartels. The task force’s primary goal is to bring down the leader of the Sonora cartel, Manuel Díaz, and to curb the power of the cartels, who have been responsible for widespread violence on both sides of the border.
Macer soon realizes that the mission is far more complex and morally ambiguous than she initially thought. The task force operates in a legal gray area, using covert tactics that blur the line between law enforcement and extrajudicial actions. Alejandro, a former prosecutor turned assassin, is particularly ruthless in his pursuit of Díaz, driven by personal vengeance.
As the story progresses, Macer becomes increasingly disillusioned with the methods employed by Graver and Alejandro. The film culminates in a shocking and intense final act, where Macer must confront the reality of the drug war and the lengths to which the task force is willing to go to achieve its goals.
Themes and Style
Sicario is a masterclass in tension-building and atmosphere. Villeneuve’s direction, combined with Roger Deakins’ cinematography, creates a sense of dread and unease throughout the film. The wide, sweeping shots of the desert landscape juxtaposed with the claustrophobic, violent confrontations between the characters serve to heighten the film’s themes of moral ambiguity and the futility of the war on drugs.
One of the film’s central themes is the cost of violence and the ethical compromises made by those fighting in the war on drugs. Macer, the audience’s moral compass, is constantly challenged by the actions of Graver and Alejandro, who operate in a world where there are no clear-cut good guys or bad guys. The film’s title, Sicario—which means “hitman” in Spanish—reflects the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality that permeate the film.
The film also explores the idea of power dynamics, particularly in relation to gender. Macer is often isolated and undermined by her male counterparts, who view her as a pawn in their larger game. Her disillusionment with the system is a key aspect of the film’s critique of the institutions tasked with fighting the drug war.
Critical Reception
Sicario received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the film’s performances, particularly those of Blunt, Brolin, and del Toro, as well as its tense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography (Deakins), Best Original Score (Jóhann Jóhannsson), and Best Sound Editing. While it did not win any of these awards, Sicario established itself as one of the best crime thrillers of the decade.
Many critics also highlighted the film’s political undertones, noting that it provides a stark, unflinching look at the complexities of the drug war. Rather than offering easy answers or moral resolutions, Sicario forces viewers to confront the harsh realities of the conflict.
See also: What Happened to Alejandro’s Family in Sicario?
2. Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) – Expanding the Universe
Plot Summary
Sicario: Day of the Soldado was released in 2018 and served as a sequel to the original Sicario. Directed by Stefano Sollima and once again written by Taylor Sheridan, the film shifts its focus from the moral dilemmas of law enforcement to the escalation of violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. This time, the plot revolves around the U.S. government’s attempt to incite a war between rival drug cartels as a means of destabilizing their operations.
The film follows Matt Graver and Alejandro Gillick, who are tasked with kidnapping Isabel Reyes (Isabela Moner), the daughter of a prominent cartel leader, in order to escalate tensions between the cartels. However, the plan goes awry when the Mexican government becomes involved, and Graver is ordered to kill Isabel to cover up the U.S. government’s involvement. Alejandro, who has developed a bond with Isabel, refuses to carry out the order and goes on the run with her.
The second film delves deeper into Alejandro’s backstory, revealing more about his motivations and his personal vendetta against the cartels. It also explores the consequences of the U.S. government’s covert operations, highlighting the collateral damage caused by their actions.
Themes and Style
While Day of the Soldado maintains the dark, gritty tone of the original Sicario, it shifts its thematic focus slightly. The film is more overtly political, exploring issues such as immigration, terrorism, and government corruption. It raises questions about the ethics of using extreme measures to combat threats and the unintended consequences of such actions.
Alejandro’s character arc is central to the film’s exploration of morality. His decision to protect Isabel rather than follow orders marks a shift in his character from cold-blooded assassin to someone who is capable of empathy and redemption. However, the film also suggests that there is no easy way out of the cycle of violence that defines the drug war.
The film’s visual style, while still atmospheric, is slightly more action-oriented than the original. Sollima’s direction emphasizes the brutality of the violence, with several intense set pieces that highlight the chaos and danger of the world the characters inhabit.
Critical Reception
Sicario: Day of the Soldado received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While some praised the film’s performances, particularly del Toro’s, and its exploration of timely political issues, others felt that it lacked the emotional depth and tension of the original. The absence of Emily Blunt’s character, who served as the moral anchor in the first film, was also noted by some as a drawback.
However, many critics acknowledged that Day of the Soldado was a worthy continuation of the Sicario universe, offering a different perspective on the themes introduced in the first film. The movie’s action sequences and del Toro’s nuanced performance were frequently cited as highlights.
3. The Possibility of a Third Sicario Movie
Rumors and Speculation
Since the release of Sicario: Day of the Soldado, there has been much speculation about the possibility of a third movie in the Sicario series. Both director Stefano Sollima and writer Taylor Sheridan have expressed interest in continuing the story, with Sheridan indicating that he envisions the Sicario series as a trilogy. The potential third film, tentatively titled Sicario: Capos, would reportedly focus on the rise of a new drug kingpin and the continuing involvement of Graver and Alejandro in the U.S. government’s covert war on the cartels.
While there has been no official confirmation of a third movie, the success of the first two films makes it likely that a sequel will eventually be made. Fans of the franchise are eager to see how the story will continue, particularly given the unresolved plotlines from Day of the Soldado.
Potential Themes and Direction
If a third Sicario film is made, it is likely that it will continue to explore the moral and ethical dilemmas associated with the drug war. Given the increasing political tensions surrounding immigration, border security, and government intervention, the film could delve deeper into these issues, offering a timely commentary on contemporary geopolitical conflicts.
Alejandro’s character arc is also likely to be further developed. His decision to protect Isabel in Day of the Soldado suggests that he may be seeking redemption for his past actions, and a third film could explore the consequences of his choices. Additionally, the relationship between Graver and Alejandro, which has always been one of mutual respect but also tension, could be further examined as their roles in the drug war evolve.
Impact of the Franchise
The Sicario franchise has had a significant impact on the crime thriller genre. Its blend of intense action, moral complexity, and political commentary has set a new standard for films about the drug war. The films have also sparked important conversations about the real-world issues they portray, particularly the ethics of law enforcement tactics and the human cost of the war on drugs.
In addition to their thematic depth, the Sicario films have been praised for their technical achievements, particularly the cinematography, direction, and performances. The franchise has helped to elevate the careers of its key creative figures, including Denis Villeneuve, Taylor Sheridan, and Benicio del Toro, all of whom have gone on to achieve further success in the industry.
Conclusion
As of now, there are two Sicario movies: Sicario (2015) and Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018). Both films offer a gritty, unflinching look at the complexities of the drug war, blending intense action with thought-provoking themes. While there has been no official confirmation of a third movie, the success of the first two films and the continued interest of key creative figures suggest that a sequel is likely. The Sicario franchise has left an indelible mark on the crime thriller genre, and its exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas of the drug war continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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