The Sicario series, created by Taylor Sheridan, is a neo-Western saga that depicts the brutal realities of the drug war at the U.S.-Mexico border. The series consists of two films so far, “Sicario” (2015) and “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” (2018), with a third installment, “Sicario 3: Capos,” in development. The series has received critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling, compelling characters, and stunning cinematography. In this article, we will explore the origins, themes, and impact of the Sicario series, as well as the anticipation for the upcoming sequel.
The Genesis of a Gritty Saga
Taylor Sheridan, the screenwriter and producer of the Sicario series, began his career as an actor, most notably in the TV show Sons of Anarchy. However, he decided to pursue his passion for writing, and in 2012, he wrote his first script, Sicario, which was inspired by his own experiences living in Texas and witnessing the effects of the drug war. He said, “I wanted to tell a story about this drug war, which is a war that we’re losing and a war that we’re not even fighting. And I wanted to tell it from the perspective of someone who’s on the front lines of it, who’s not a politician, who’s not a pundit, who’s not an expert, who’s just a soldier.”
Sheridan’s script caught the attention of director Denis Villeneuve, who was impressed by its realism and complexity. Villeneuve said, “I read the screenplay, and I was in shock. It was one of the best screenplays I ever read. It was very powerful, very strong, very dark, very relevant.” Villeneuve enlisted the help of legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins, who created a stunning visual style for the film, using natural light, aerial shots, and night vision to capture the harshness and beauty of the border landscape. The film also featured a stellar cast, including Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Victor Garber, and Benicio Del Toro, who delivered nuanced and captivating performances.
Sicario (2015): The Beginning of a Dark Odyssey
Sicario, which means “hitman” in Spanish, follows FBI agent Kate Macer (Blunt), who is recruited by CIA officer Matt Graver (Brolin) to join a covert operation to take down a Mexican drug lord. Along the way, she meets Alejandro Gillick (Del Toro), a mysterious consultant who has a personal vendetta against the cartel.
The film explores the moral and ethical dilemmas that Kate faces as she witnesses the brutality and corruption of the drug war and the questionable methods that Matt and Alejandro use to achieve their goals. The film also exposes the harsh realities of life on both sides of the border, where violence, poverty, and fear are prevalent.
The film received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences, who praised its direction, screenplay, cinematography, and acting. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Sound Editing. The film also earned $84.9 million worldwide, against a budget of $30 million.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018): A Sequel That Expands the Narrative
The sequel, “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” directed by Stefano Sollima, shifts its focus to Alejandro, the titular “Sicario.” The film takes place a few years after the events of the first film and follows Alejandro and Matt as they are tasked with starting a war among the Mexican cartels after a terrorist attack on U.S. soil is linked to the drug trade. The film introduces new characters, such as Isabel Reyes (Isabela Moner), the daughter of a cartel leader, and Miguel Hernandez (Elijah Rodriguez), a young American who joins a gang of smugglers.
The film explores the themes of loyalty, loss, and the blurred lines between right and wrong as Alejandro and Matt face the consequences of their actions and the changing dynamics of the drug war. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its action sequences, performances, and cinematography but criticised its plot, tone, and lack of emotional depth. The film also performed modestly at the box office, earning $75.8 million worldwide against a budget of $35 million.
The Anticipation for Sicario 3: Capos
As of today, “Sicario 3: Capos” is in development, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. The third installment is expected to conclude the trilogy, promising to delve deeper into the intricate world Sheridan has created. The film will reportedly focus on the rise of a new generation of drug lords, known as “Capos,” who are more ruthless and powerful than their predecessors. The film will also explore the fate of Alejandro, who was last seen being shot by Miguel at the end of the second film, and the possibility of his reunion with Kate, who was absent from the sequel. The film will also feature the return of Matt, who will have to deal with the fallout of his actions and the changing landscape of the drug war.
The film is being written by Sheridan, who has also written and directed other acclaimed projects, such as Hell or High Water (2016), Wind River (2017), and Yellowstone (2018-present). The film is being produced by Black Label Media, the same company that produced the previous two films. However, the director and the cast of the film have not been confirmed yet, as the film is still in the early stages of production. The film is expected to be released sometime in 2024 or 2025.
The Sicario Universe: Streaming and Availability
For those looking to embark on the Sicario journey, the first film is available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+. “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” can be found on Hulu and other services. The availability of these films makes it easy for newcomers and fans alike to dive into the series.
The Sicario Effect: Influencing the Genre
The Sicario series has had a profound impact on the genre, influencing other films and series that explore similar themes. Its raw portrayal of the drug war, combined with compelling character development and moral dilemmas, sets a high bar for storytelling in this genre. Some of the films and series that have been inspired by or compared to the Sicario series are:
- “Narcos” (2015–2017): A Netflix series that chronicles the rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and his rivals, the Cali Cartel. The series features a similar style of narration, action, and realism as the Sicario series and also explores the involvement of the U.S. government and law enforcement in the drug war.
- “Triple Frontier” (2019): A Netflix film that follows a group of former Special Forces operatives who reunite to rob a South American drug lord. The film features a similar premise, tone, and cast as the Sicario series and also examines the moral and ethical issues that arise from their mission.
- “ZeroZeroZero” (2020): An Amazon Prime Video series that follows the global cocaine trade, from the producers in Mexico to the brokers in Italy to the buyers in the U.S. The series features a similar scope, complexity, and realism as the Sicario series and also exposes the violence and corruption that permeate the drug world.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Legacy of Sicario
The Sicario series stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of cinema to reflect on and challenge the realities of our world. The series has created a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike and has established itself as a benchmark for the neo-Western genre.
The series has also sparked a dialogue on the issues and implications of the drug war and the role of the U.S. government and law enforcement in it. The series has also inspired and influenced other filmmakers and storytellers, who have followed in its footsteps and created their own versions of the drug war narrative. The series has also generated a loyal fan base that is eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the trilogy and the resolution of the characters’ arcs. The Sicario series is a cinematic phenomenon that will continue to resonate and captivate viewers for years to come.
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