Sicario: Day of the Soldado” (2018) is the intense sequel to the 2015 hit Sicario. Directed by Stefano Sollima, this action-packed crime thriller delves deeper into the violent and murky world of drug cartels and border conflicts. The film begins with escalating tensions as cartels are discovered to be smuggling terrorists across the U.S.-Mexico border, prompting the U.S. government to authorize extreme measures. Tasked with orchestrating chaos, agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) recruits Alejandro Gillick (Benicio Del Toro), whose personal vendetta against the cartels fuels the story.
The plot thickens as Alejandro and Matt execute a plan to pit rival cartels against each other by kidnapping Isabel Reyes (Isabela Moner), the teenage daughter of a cartel kingpin. However, the mission spirals out of control when Isabel becomes a pawn in a larger, more dangerous game. Alejandroโs growing sense of morality clashes with his initial orders, leading to betrayal, survival, and an explosive confrontation with his past.
What sets Sicario 2 apart is its unflinching portrayal of the gray morality in the fight against organized crime. While the film sacrifices some of the emotional depth and nuance of its predecessor, it compensates with brutal action sequences and a chilling exploration of power, revenge, and justice. The cinematography by Dariusz Wolski captures the stark landscapes of the border, intensifying the atmosphere of tension and isolation.
The sequel expands the universe of Sicario while leaving room for further exploration of its characters. With its thrilling narrative and powerful performances, Sicario: Day of the Soldado cements itself as a gripping continuation of a critically acclaimed franchise.
