Our take
This is the type of famous movie that doesn’t feel like one. So if you haven’t yet seen it, avoid watching the trailer. Kate (Emily Blunt) is an FBI agent who is enlisted to aid in the war on drugs at the Mexican border. She is introduced to Alejandro (Benicio del Toro), a quiet and secretive agent working on the Mexican side. The reason you shouldn’t watch the trailer is that Sicario is much more than just another crime action movie, which its marketing will lead you to believe. It’s gorgeously made, with scenes that will catch your breath starting from the color composition to the amazing performances by Blunt and Del Toro. It’s intense, intelligent and very realistic in its approach to action sequences. Directed by Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Incendies, etc.)
What it won
Other
1 nom
The story
An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by a government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.
Elsewhere
"If "Sicario" does not collapse under its own grimness, that is because of the pulse: the care with which Villeneuve keeps the story beating, like a drum, as he steadies himself for the next set piece."
— Anthony Lane
"A visceral, in-the-moment ride-along more than a movie to chew over for any length of time."
— Vadim Rizov
The details
Streaming arrival
Who picked it
Bilal Zouheir is the founder of A Good Movie to Watch. He is based in the US and a member of the Nevada Film Critics Society. He grew up in Morocco, where he learned English from watching movies. Bilal's work with A Good Movie to Watch is focused on offering an alternative to streaming algorithms, which are often used as commercial tools by streaming services.
An ethically challenging film that explores deontology and consequentialism. Kate (a deontologist) plays by the book, constantly voicing her indignation with the ethically grey situations she finds herself in after volunteering under the guise of being able to make a difference. Throughout the film we watch as Kate struggles with the escalation of violence without due process, she is unable to stop participating for fear that something terrible will happen without her. Instead, Kate is used up and spit out, her entire reality in ruin when she is shown that she is no longer on the side of good, and more importantly there is no good. A fantastic film to watch alone with nobody there to interrupt the incredible flow.
A very well played political thriller. The story sets you on a suspenseful ride.
I was expecting it to be more than is was given all the hype.