CIA agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) returns to enlist a mysterious operative, known as Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro), to investigate a Mexican drug cartel that has been smuggling terrorists into the United States, highlighted by a suicide bombing at a Kansas City grocery store that kills fifteen innocent civilians in the process. Their actions escalate the cartel situation further, resulting in various double-crossings and the occasional kidnapping. A thoroughly worthy film, but one that, in the eyes of some, doesn’t quite reach the dizzying heights of its predecessor.
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Writers: Taylor Sheridan
Starring: Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Keener, Isabela Merced
Directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan, Sicario 2, released in 2018, may be up there as one of the more effective sequels in recent cinema, especially when you factor in the vast amount of success that Sicario 1 (2015), managed to originally garner. The sequel saw many known faces return, but ultimately adopted a slightly different story than the first instalment.
It’s worth noting that a large majority of the filming took place in the beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Mexico City, Mexico, also featuring prominently. The cinematography is once again impressive, with the dark and menacing soundtrack complementing the visuals particularly well, while also helping to build tension and suspense across a number of key scenes.
Another notable aspect is the number of long and drawn-out sequences throughout, with some becoming increasingly brutal and unsettling in nature. The opening portion in particular is rather extreme and immediately establishes a darker tone than the first flick. Interestingly, there have been discussions surrounding a potential third instalment to complete the trilogy, something that will no doubt interest fans of the first two pictures.
In terms of the cast, Josh Brolin reprised his role of Matt Graver, the no nonsense CIA Agent that was responsible for the mission at hand, while Benicio Del Toro also returned as the cold blooded, ruthless assassin, known only as Alejandro. Elsewhere, Catherine Keener and Isabela Merced also appeared, starring as Cynthia and Isabel, respectively, with the latter commanding a key role in the flick.
All in all, Sicario 2 serves as an exciting and at times, action packed thriller that is bordering on the modern-day western genre. As previously mentioned, the filmmakers have been hinting at a third film to be released in the not-so-distant future, turning the series into a trilogy. One to look out for if so.
“You’re gonna help us start a war.”
Matt Graver – Sicario 2
