Denis Villeneuve must be the cinematic equivalent of a sicario, because with this film he finds his target and executes it with precise accuracy. The target of course is the notorious drug trade that plagues both sides of the border between the USA and Mexico. A drug war that seems to have lasted for so long yet we seem to be persistently losing. The reason being? Well Josh Brolin’s character, Matt Graver, said it best, "If 20% of the population can be convinced to not partake in drugs, the war would be over immediately, but since that’s not the case. Order is required." This is to, paradoxically, keep a stable chaos. A chaos where one drug cartel reigns and others don’t supplant it from its throne. Where the governments can monitor the illegalities all while enforcing laws as well.
One of the law enforcers in this film is protagonist Emily Blunt, who plays Kate Macer, a reserved and deeply conflicted FBI agent. Her subdued performance is one that is relatable, but her strength in such adversity that she faces through the film is admirable when thinking of many others that would probably not have the same mental fortitude as she does. But even then, she is severely tested by her enemies, and her “friends” in this world of the illegal drug trade that blurs the line between good and evil. As co-star Benicio Del Toro later says in the movie to Blunt. “You’re not a wolf. This is city of wolves. You will not survive.”
SPOILER: Just in the paragraph below
Speaking of which, another powerhouse role by Benicio Del Toro who plays the sicario in question, Alejandro Gillick. His calm demeanor on the surface is something of a fasade as he later reveals his bubbling interior as an angry man who seeks revenge for the family he lost. He is the anchor to the ship so to say. His presence elevates the film to atmospheric heights as his intimidating looks and one liners show just how dangerous he his. Less is more they say.
While the acting is truly great, one must not forget the mood set by director, Denis, legendary cinematographer, Roger Deakins, music composer Johann Johannsson, editor Joe Walker and the rest of the effects, design, and lighting crews that helped make this film a dark experience. There never seems to be a shot that doesn’t belong in the film. Every angle has a purpose whether it aims to make you feel claustrophobic and suffocated or small and weaker than the subject at hand. With crisp editing and beautiful aerial shots that evoke more of the depressive mood, Sicario isn’t a movie you will feel good about after watching. The disturbing images and ideas will be with you long after you leave the theater, but even more so is the sense of dread that the movie will leave you with after watching. This is something that many modern-day horror films unsuccessfully try to accomplish, yet Sicario does so perfectly with a concept based in reality that is scarier than any horror premise out there.
Manny's Grade: A