1. Plot Summary
The sequel to Sicario (2015) dives deeper into the U.S.–Mexico border conflict. After terrorists are allegedly smuggled across by Mexican cartels, the U.S. government authorizes covert measures. CIA operative Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) recruits Alejandro (Benicio del Toro) for a mission: to spark a cartel war by kidnapping Isabel Reyes, daughter of a powerful drug lord.
As the plan spirals out of control, Alejandro develops a bond with Isabel and chooses to protect her, forcing him into direct conflict with the same forces that hired him.
2. Notable Elements
Strengths:
- Maintains a grim, tense atmosphere consistent with the first film.
- Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin deliver intense, layered performances.
- Action sequences feel raw, tactical, and grounded in realism.
- Haunting score and bleak tone sustain the mood.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks the artistic touch of Denis Villeneuve and cinematographer Roger Deakins from the first film.
- The plot feels more contrived, with terrorism used as a narrative trigger.
- Missing a strong female perspective like Emily Blunt’s character in the original.
3. Themes and Messages
- Moral ambiguity of war: Government-sanctioned violence blurs the line between protector and aggressor.
- Innocence caught in chaos: Isabel represents collateral victims trapped in a world of crime and politics.
- Revenge vs humanity: Alejandro’s arc shifts from vengeance to protecting life.
- Justice and futility: Raises the question whether brutal tactics truly safeguard people—or simply perpetuate violence.
4. Personal Impressions
What works:
- Gritty action sequences that feel authentic and suspenseful.
- Alejandro remains a fascinating antihero, both ruthless and compassionate.
- Expands the cartel world while keeping its shadowy complexity.
What falters:
- Less emotionally gripping than the first film.
- Story leans more on action than on psychological or moral depth.
- The ending feels unresolved, clearly leaving space for a sequel.
5. Audience Recommendations
You’ll enjoy this if:
- You liked the bleak tone of Sicario (2015).
- You’re interested in cartel dramas like Narcos or Traffic.
- You want morally complex antiheroes rather than clean-cut heroes.
You might skip this if:
- You expect clear-cut morality or uplifting storytelling.
- You dislike intense violence or bleak narratives.
- You want a fully contained, self-sufficient story.
6. Conclusion & Rating
Sicario: Day of the Soldado may lack the elegance and artistry of its predecessor, but it delivers gripping tension, brutal realism, and a layered continuation of Alejandro’s journey. It’s more of a raw action-thriller than a profound character study, yet still a worthy installment.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
