Confusing by Intention: the Anti-Story of Sicario

Rating: 7/10 (13 October 2015)

Here we have Sicario. It's a film that twists and turns from its opening minutes, presenting a gritty tale of unprecedented carnage and deception. The world of the film is a smear of desert colors and rolling storm-clouds, high tech government labs and sprawling, dilapidated shanty towns. Sicario presents a striking visual style that cements the setting of the story.
Emily Blunt's Kate is among the first of the characters we're introduced to. Their names we learn usually by proxy, and the film quickly introduces more characters than you can handle, all the while escalating the action and intensity as Kate is pulled back and forth along the Mexican border, which exposes two very contrasting territories. It's a story about catching the real bad-guys and making a difference in the drug war, or so we're led to believe. Of course, what unfolds is the proverbial "tip of the iceberg" scenario where everything Kate, our surrogate, considers to be right is turned on its head and left spinning as she makes the plunge.
The film does have some problems, mainly with pacing. One entire subplot remains detached from the main thread until the climax of the film, and sees no real development despite reappearing multiple times throughout the film. The payoff is meant to be a shocker, but it ends up being fairly predictable by the standards the film had already set for the world. Having said that, the climax itself was gripping, as well as the minimalist score which is used to great effect. The ending leaves something to be desired, though I believe the effect is to leave one saying "wait, that's it?", just in the best possible way. The reality is that to this tale, there is no real resolution - to continue is a matter of resolve, to continue if one dares. In all, there are a few scenarios that make it difficult to uphold a suspension of disbelief, but keep in mind that this movie is designed to be a disturbing journey through and through. While it has its low points, the film never leaves your attention to wander for too long.
Very good film, all in all. Don't bring kids to this (somehow, this snagged a 14A rating in my country of residence).