Cinematographically serene, yet intense examination of war on drugs

Rating: 8/10 (15 October 2015)

Sicario opens with startling intensity, unsurprising given the thematic elements of director Denis Villeneuve's previous features. Our protagonist, Kate (played by Emily Blunt), is thrust in the middle of the war on drugs where either side is leaderless and directionless creating intense chaos in the center. She is an uninformed, reactionary bystander throughout, while Josh Brolin's and Benicio del Toro's characters seem to have clear direction (even if it is unclear from where that direction came). Though this narrative setup is an understated, impactive commentary on the war on the drugs, it leaves us unable to truly savor its climax as in more traditional thrillers.
Where Sicario really impresses is in Roger Deakins' cinematography. It is visually stunning throughout. The use of infrared and night vision cameras in the third act is truly remarkable.
Overall, this film was a satisfying addition to Villeneuve's filmography that probably merits more than one viewing to truly appreciate.