Multi-faceted, tense drama

Rating: 8/10 (28 March 2016)

Sicario is a tense, thoughtful and thrilling drama. It is an intelligent interpretation of the multi-faceted effects of cartel activity and the poker faced players of many of those involved. It considers that the problem runs deeper than simply the gangs themselves and explores the possibility of involvement from higher powers with self serving interests. Emily Blunt is fantastic as the pawn caught in a bigger game and convincingly conveys the conflicting emotions that could be felt from being in such a position. I give credit also to Daniel Kaluuya for a credible performance and Josh Brolin was appropriately pompous in his role. The star of the show is Benicio Del Toro. His portrayal of the haunted, ruthless assassin is both chilling and understandable. Such monsters are created in the ugly environments that serve the gang and drug trades the world over. In his world such cold violence is a way of life, a reason why 'nothing will make sense to your American ears'. The movie becomes increasingly tense as we begin to discover that Del Toro's 'Alejandro' is on a personal quest for vengeance. This ultimately results in one of the most memorable movie scenes I have witnessed in recent years. Ruthless, and astonishing - it truly is one of the most bad-ass moments you will witness on film. Del Toro executes it with perfection. A great movie.