One of the most artfully realized movies I've ever seen

Rating: 9/10 (22 October 2015)

About an hour into this film, I smiled to myself thinking these three excellent actors, Josh Brolin, Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro, must have realized as they were shooting what a beautiful collaboration they were in. Seldom are actors allowed to contribute so evenly to the success of a project as here. Emily leads the audience on with a simplified, legalistic approach to drug enforcement, Josh Brolin has a more violent and almost clinical solution in mind, while Benicio's very Mexican attitude toward the murderous cartels plaguing his country tends to supersede the others. Essentially the story is that of letting Emily's character be shaken to the core by its head on confrontation with Benicio's idea of dealing with drug kingpins.
Since there's virtually no heed given to political correctness, there's a difficult case to make. Very probably most of the audience will be on Emily's side, but the film is very emotional and pointedly directed, and I doubt if many of those aren't at least moved by it.
Benicio gives his best performance ever, in my opinion, as the sort of person he is depicting is very real but rarely seen in the states. I was personally amazed at how well his portrayal captured people I'd forgotten I'd ever known. He really deserves some recognition for it though I doubt he will get it, only because the Academy will probably not realize he is portraying someone who can actually exist in Mexico.
Emily Blunt's character was a little more problematic. Much of her attitude toward the task force she joins is difficult to understand. It still works but I couldn't follow her complaints very well. No doubt someone along the line decided it didn't matter, and they were right. She is still the center of attention and she holds it very well.
Josh Brolin had the more stereotypical role here, but he still managed to imbue it with detail and attitude that seem to show his familiarity with task forces, but is almost certainly completely craft and talent.
The two most important names behind this film were definitely the director and writer. At this point I will watch anything Denis Villeneuve does. I'm also going to have to watch what this Taylor Sheridan writes from now on. They're a very impressive pair.