MOVIE REVIEW: SICARIO

An idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is assigned to work a dangerous stretch of the US-Mexico border by her superior officer (Josh Brolin). She's exposed to the brutality of the Mexican drug cartel, and becomes partners with a defector from the cartel (Benicio Del Toro) who possesses keen knowledge about the organization. As she gets deeper into the ruthlessness and corruption surrounding the FBI sting to find the organizations leaders, her moral and professional boundaries are pushed to their breaking point. Denis Villeneuve directs this pulse-pounding crime drama, which competed for the Palme d'Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Cast: Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Kaluuya

Release Date: Sep 18, 2015

Runtime: 2 hr. 1 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama

Review:

Sicario is the type of action thriller that leans towards the adult audience more so than the blockbusters.  It’s a moody mix of suspense peppered with action and compelling characters.  Denis Villeneuve’s is beautifully shot film that never shies away from the ugly side of violence and vengeance.  Still it’s not nearly as bleak as his previous film Prisoners which seemed intent on showing the closing darkness.  That’s not to say that this film is a bright and uplifting sing along, far from it.  Its characters are various shades of gray.   Emily Blunt’s performance here shores up her transformation from rom-com to ruthless but with a touch of subtle vulnerability.  The supporting cast is headline by Josh Brolin who is having a good time playing a CIA spook that is out for his own interest but Benicio Del Toro is the star of the show.  Del Toro is a fascinating mix of cool and dangerous throughout.  His character doesn’t say much but the performance lets you know there’s plenty going on behind those eyes.  It’s an intriguing drug war drama throughout Villeneuve’s most accessible film yet.

A