121 minutes, Crime Thriller, MA15+
In SICARIO, you will immediately realise the value of a human life is equivalent to that of putting out a half-smoked cigarette. An incredibly tense opening sequence merely previews the inhumane brutality to unfold. From acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, director of the superb Hugh Jackman/Jake Gyllenhaal dramatic thriller PRISONERS comes SICARIO, a complex crime thriller set deep in the heart of an escalating war on drugs. FBI Agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) reluctantly volunteers to be transferred across the US/Mexican border to assist a government task force who has assigned Matt (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro (Benecio Del Toro) to lead the manhunt for the hidden and very dangerous boss of a thriving drug cartel.
Don’t ask questions, just watch. That is a line taken from this heart-pounding drama, as spoken by one of the lead characters and as it turns out, is the best advice I can provide to you upon entry to seeing this excellent film. Many questions will surface, for we are placed into the same shoes as Blunt’s FBI Agent. Kate is obviously disturbed by the gruesome remains from the violent activity on show in her temporary homeland, presumably committed by the men she and her new team are chasing. But something more pressing is on Kate’s mind. She has questions that need answers, and needs them now. Those questions will be much the same as the questions you’re bound to have. In a remarkable first screenplay written by Taylor Sheridan, SICARIO brilliantly succeeds in alienating us from the integral and specific details, and it is a tantalising watch from beginning to end as a result.
In a role that was initially asked to be rewritten for a man, Emily Blunt is completely mesmerising in one of her more restrained performances. The slower and subtle development of her character makes Kate more vulnerable, and the film all the more suspenseful. Employing both his cinematographer (12 time Oscar-nominated Roger Deakins) and music composer (Johan Johannsson) from his previous film that was profoundly atmospheric, PRISONERS, Villeneuve ensures the shoot locations add another dimension of hostility (those aerial shots are sweeping and magnificent) for the viewer and his movie intensified by the powerful score. Later scenes bring a haunting creativity to the lens also. SICARIO takes us deep inside a fictional underworld that is too authentic to dismiss. But remember what I said, don’t ask questions, just watch.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Footnote to Parents
Strictly above the age of 15 only, and with a parent or adult guardian for under 18. Not a film for the faint of heart due to the strong nature of its violence and graphic images.
Moviedoc wishes to thank Village Roadshow, Alexandra Karolos and Village Cinemas Gold Class, Jam Factory for the invite to the media screening of SICARIO.
Review by Moviedoc
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