The Sicario film series has captivated audiences with its gritty portrayal of the war on drugs at the U.S.-Mexico border. If you’re looking to dive into this intense world of cartel violence and morally gray government operations, you’ll want to watch the Sicario movies in order. This guide will walk you through the existing films and what we know about the upcoming third installment.
Sicario (2015)
The journey begins with the original Sicario, released in 2015. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan, this film sets the dark and intense tone for the entire series.
Plot
The story follows idealistic FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) as she’s recruited to join a mysterious government task force led by Matt Graver (Josh Brolin). Their mission? To take down a powerful Mexican drug cartel operating near the U.S. border.
Kate quickly finds herself in over her head, realizing that the methods used by the task force often blur the lines between right and wrong. She’s particularly unsettled by the presence of Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro), a mysterious consultant with a hidden agenda.
As the operations become increasingly violent and ethically questionable, Kate must confront her own beliefs about justice and the true nature of the war on drugs.
Key Characters
- Kate Macer (Emily Blunt): An idealistic FBI agent thrust into the morally murky world of covert anti-cartel operations.
- Matt Graver (Josh Brolin): A CIA officer leading the task force, willing to bend rules to achieve his goals.
- Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro): A former prosecutor turned mysterious operative, seeking revenge against the cartels.
Themes
Sicario explores several powerful themes:
- The blurred lines between right and wrong in the war on drugs
- The loss of innocence and idealism when confronted with brutal realities
- The cyclical nature of violence and revenge
- The complex relationship between the U.S. and Mexico in combating drug cartels
Critical Reception
The film was a critical success, praised for its:
- Intense and suspenseful atmosphere
- Stunning cinematography by Roger Deakins
- Powerful performances, especially from Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro
- Thought-provoking exploration of complex moral issues
Sicario received three Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Sound Editing.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
The second installment in the series, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, was released in 2018. While Denis Villeneuve didn’t return to direct, the film still maintains much of the gritty tone established in the original.
Plot
In this sequel, the U.S. government becomes concerned that Mexican drug cartels are smuggling terrorists across the border. Matt Graver is called in to escalate the war against the cartels. He reunites with the mysterious Alejandro Gillick to carry out a plan to pit the cartels against each other.
Their mission involves kidnapping Isabel Reyes (Isabela Moner), the daughter of a powerful cartel kingpin. However, when the plan goes awry, Alejandro finds himself protecting the girl he was meant to use as a pawn. This puts him at odds with his American allies, leading to intense confrontations and moral dilemmas.
Key Characters
- Matt Graver (Josh Brolin): Returning from the first film, now leading an even more aggressive operation against the cartels.
- Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro): His complex character is further developed as he faces new moral challenges.
- Isabel Reyes (Isabela Moner): The teenage daughter of a cartel boss, caught in the middle of a dangerous game.
Themes
Day of the Soldado continues to explore challenging themes:
- The escalation of violence and its consequences
- The human cost of geopolitical maneuvering
- Loyalty versus morality in extreme situations
- The impact of the drug war on innocent lives
How It Connects to the First Film
While Day of the Soldado works as a standalone story, it builds on the world established in the first Sicario:
- It further develops the characters of Matt and Alejandro
- It expands on the complex relationship between U.S. agencies and the cartels
- The moral ambiguity of the “war on drugs” remains a central focus
Critical Reception
While not as universally acclaimed as the first film, Day of the Soldado still received generally positive reviews:
- Praise for the performances of Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro
- Appreciation for the film’s intense action sequences
- Some criticism for a plot that some found less focused than the original
Sicario 3 (Upcoming)
Fans of the series will be excited to know that a third Sicario film is in development. While details are still limited, here’s what we know so far about the upcoming Sicario 3:
Title
The working title for the third film is Sicario: Capos. “Capos” is Spanish for “bosses,” suggesting the film may focus on high-ranking cartel leaders.
Plot
While the exact plot details haven’t been revealed, it’s likely that Sicario: Capos will continue to explore the ongoing drug war and its impact on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Given the ending of Day of the Soldado, we may see:
- The aftermath of Alejandro’s actions in protecting Isabel
- Potential consequences for Matt Graver after disobeying orders
- A deeper look into the highest levels of cartel operations
Returning Characters
No cast has been officially confirmed, but fans are hoping to see the return of:
- Benicio del Toro as Alejandro Gillick
- Josh Brolin as Matt Graver
There’s also speculation about whether Emily Blunt might return as Kate Macer, though her character was absent from the second film.
Production Status
As of late 2023, Sicario: Capos is still in development:
- The script is reportedly in its final stages
- Production was delayed due to industry strikes but is now moving forward
- No director has been officially announced yet
Potential Release Date
Given the current status of the project, it’s unlikely we’ll see Sicario: Capos before late 2025 at the earliest.
Why Watch the Sicario Movies in Order?
While each Sicario film can stand on its own, there are several benefits to watching them in order:
- Character Development: You’ll see the evolution of key characters like Alejandro and Matt Graver over time.
- Deeper Understanding: The second film builds on the world established in the first, giving you a richer understanding of the context.
- Thematic Exploration: Watching in order allows you to see how the themes develop and expand across the series.
- Appreciation of Style: You can observe how the filmmaking style evolves while maintaining the core Sicario feel.
- Plot Connections: While not direct sequels, there are references and connections between the films that you might miss otherwise.
Conclusion
As we await the release of Sicario: Capos, the Sicario movies in order offer a compelling and thought-provoking journey through the dark world of the drug war. From the shocking introduction to this world in the first film to the moral quagmire of Day of the Soldado, the series challenges viewers to confront difficult questions about justice, morality, and the human cost of ongoing conflicts.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, watching the Sicario movies in order provides a rich, intense, and unforgettable cinematic experience. As the saga continues to unfold, it’s clear that the world of Sicario will continue to captivate audiences with its gritty realism, complex characters, and exploration of the shadowy corners of the war on drugs.
