A hit with a purpose

Rating: 7/10 (9 October 2016)

Sicario gives a first person account of FBI agent Kate Macy who although no stranger to the cruelty cause by the Mexican Cartel, is seemingly put over her head in a new assignment. With the support of superb cinematography there brings out a sense of loneliness and self reliance as Kate attempts to figure out her role and the end game scenario being worked out by the US bureaucrats.
Director Denis Villeneuve gives a methodical crime thriller with a generous helping of suspense. Married to a constant stream of questions and mind wondering theories were surreal scenes of brutality coupled by imagery only observed when in deep thought. This style of cinematography created emotions of loneliness and self reliance as fears mounted towards how Kate was being used.
A stellar performance by Benisio Del Toro playing the roll of a dauntless Alejandro further added to the films mystery. Born out of a world where human lives are worth more dead because they make a stronger statement, Alejandro seeks revenge against the cartel with the US government at his disposal.
The questions to Kate's involvement become answered in a very matter of fact manner. Instead of keeping the level of suspense and concern for her safety the story drops the ball and although tries, can't quite grasp it as it bounces away. It was disappointing after being brought down the rabbit hole with Kate only to discover her roll was technical and minimally subversive. In an era of film making history where antiheroes are the new champions, this movie may have missed its opportunity for greatness by not basing the story more around Alejandro from start to finish.