A masterclass in acting (Del Toro) and directing (Villeneuve)

Rating: 8/10 (23 January 2016)

2015 was a very good year in films, and "Sicario" can be considered one of its highlights, but not one of the very best. First off, for me this movie was a great way to get to know for the first time two big names and talents in the industry: lead actor Benicio Del Toro and director Denis Villeneuve. The former did an outstanding job -maybe Oscar worthy, totally nomination worthy- at portraying a cold and expert man (I won't get into detail not to spoil anything), the latter made great use of the south-US/Mexico landscapes, but also of the focus on small details, to give a proper identity to the film, which eventually looks slick and classy while also portraying horrifying images (i.e. the amazing first scene). I also liked Josh Brolin's take as an eccentric, no-nonsense DoD consultant, though his character tended to turn darker and darker for no apparent reason. Probably (hopefully) he's gonna have a big role in the sequel. Jóhann Jóhannsson keeps up the good work with a simple, yet fitting soundtrack: he reminds me more and more of the mastermind, Hans Zimmer, in that sense. But let's get to the nay part. Before watching "Sicario" I'd heard that Emily Blunt's performance was the one to look after. It isn't. She really tries, and she does so hard she gets irritating. She's always swearing, crying, being disappointed, and all that in a desperate way, as if she needed to show us she's the lead actress in a boys' flick. Her partner does the same, or even worse. Finally, some words on the complicated plot. At the end of the story, everything fits well, and you won't be disappointed, but in the making it feels at times disorienting and excessively cryptic.
A very good movie, an outstanding work by cast and crew, with one major disappointment. 8/10