Violence, suspense and emotional depth

Rating: 7/10 (10 November 2015)

During large parts of this movie, lead character Kate Macer doesn't have a clue what she's gotten herself into. Neither does the viewer. And that's the strength of the film: you get drawn into a shady, murky world that never becomes very clear or transparent, but never stops to fascinate.
Macer is a young FBI-agent who joins a special team of law enforcers, led by an outside 'adviser' and a Mexican ex-prosecutor, formed with only one purpose: eliminating an importing drugs smuggler. She is uncomfortable with the violent methods and unorthodox procedures of the group, but she is told that everything is cleared by the political powers that be.
The film contains breathtaking scenes. One shows a convoy of black SUV's, transporting the law enforcers across the Mexican border to Juarez to pick up a criminal and get him back to the US. Director Denis Villeneuve perfectly captures the fear and nervousness of the group, which can be attacked by gang members any minute. The expected violence occurs at the border control on the way back, where they engage in a shooting amidst cars waiting to enter the US.
There are many scenes like this, filled with suspense and violence. The perfect execution of these scenes is what makes this film special, more so than the script, which contains some sidelines and is not always easy to follow. A stroke of genius is the choice for a scrupulous woman as the lead character, trying to stand her ground in a masculine world without many scruples. It gives the film necessary emotional depth.