Sicario: Day of the Soldado Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Government hires two dudes to kidnap a cartel boss’s daughter to start a war, but then the government changes its mind, and suddenly everyone’s feelings get involved.

🍿 Sicario: Day of the Soldado: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Terror at the Border

The film opens with a stark depiction of the escalating drug war along the US-Mexico border, highlighting the cartels’ involvement in trafficking terrorists. A suicide bombing in Kansas City raises alarms, leading the US government to authorize drastic measures. This sets the stage for Matt Graver to re-team with Alejandro, tasked with disrupting the cartels’ operations by any means necessary.

Inciting a War

Graver and Alejandro devise a plan to ignite a war between rival cartels. Their strategy involves kidnapping Isabel Reyes, the daughter of a powerful kingpin, and framing a rival cartel for the act. This sets off a chain of violent events, blurring the lines between right and wrong as Graver and Alejandro navigate the treacherous landscape of the drug war.

Betrayal and Rogue Actions

The mission takes an unexpected turn when the US government, fearing political fallout, orders the termination of the operation, including the elimination of Isabel and Alejandro. Graver reluctantly tasks Alejandro with the order, but Alejandro refuses, deciding to protect Isabel and going rogue. This decision places both Alejandro and Isabel in grave danger, hunted by both the cartels and the US government.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro): A mysterious and ruthless operative enlisted by the CIA to destabilize the Mexican cartels, grappling with his own moral code.
• Matt Graver (Josh Brolin): A morally ambiguous CIA agent who uses extreme measures to combat the cartels, often blurring the lines of legality and ethics.
• Isabel Reyes (Isabela Merced): The young daughter of a powerful drug kingpin, who becomes a pawn in the escalating war between the cartels and the US government.
• Cynthia Foards (Catherine Keener): A high-ranking CIA director who authorizes the covert operations against the cartels, representing the political machinations behind the conflict.
• Miguel Hernandez (Elijah Rodriguez): A Mexican-American teenager drawn into the world of cartel operations as a coyote, making choices that lead him down a violent path.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matt Graver: “Fuck it all. Wipe it clean.” – Graver states the need for extreme measures in dealing with the cartels without rules or limitations.
• Matt Graver: “No rules this time.” – Stating that there will be no ethical boundaries for dealing with the cartels this time.
• Matt Graver: “To start a war, you kidnap a prince.” – Matt rationalizes kidnapping the daughter of a cartel kingpin to instigate conflict.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $50,072,235
• Worldwide Gross: $75,837,743

💥 Sicario: Day of the Soldado Reviews

Personal Review

I remember being blown away by the original Sicario, and while this sequel didn’t quite reach those heights, it was still a thrilling ride. The morally gray areas and the intense action sequences kept me on the edge of my seat. Benicio Del Toro’s performance was especially captivating. The scene where Alejandro has to make a difficult decision about Isabel really stuck with me and made me question everything. Definitely worth a watch if you’re a fan of the first movie!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate morally ambiguous characters”
  • “Those interested in films depicting the complexities of the drug war”
  • “People who enjoyed the first Sicario film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Themes of terrorism and drug trafficking”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A brutally efficient thriller that doubles down on the first film’s nihilistic vision. Del Toro and Brolin deliver strong performances, but the film lacks the moral complexity that made the original so compelling.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A solid if somewhat predictable action-thriller. Stefano Sollima maintains the tense atmosphere, and the performances are excellent, but the plot feels contrived at times.
• IGN: “Sicario: Day of the Soldado delivers intense action and suspense, but it struggles to recapture the brilliance of its predecessor. Del Toro’s performance is a standout.

Audience Reactions

The action sequences were intense and kept viewers on the edge of their seats.: Fans generally praised the performances of Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin, highlighting their chemistry and portrayal of complex characters.

Many viewers appreciated the film’s exploration of morally ambiguous themes.: Viewers appreciate the film for its unflinching portrayal of the drug war and its consequences, even if it’s not always comfortable to watch.

Overall Consensus: While not as universally acclaimed as the original, ‘Sicario 2: Soldado’ is generally considered a solid action-thriller with strong performances and intense sequences, though some find the plot less compelling.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Stefano Sollima chose not to include Emily Blunt’s character from the first film, feeling that her moral compass was unnecessary for the sequel’s darker tone.”
• “The film explores the complex and morally ambiguous world of the U.S.-Mexico border, delving into the strategies employed to combat drug cartels.”
• “Taylor Sheridan, the screenwriter for both ‘Sicario’ films, stated that Agent Macer’s story had come full circle in the first film, justifying her absence in the sequel.”

🖥️ How to Watch Sicario: Day of the Soldado?

Sicario: Day of the Soldado is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) are also available for purchase at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Sicario: Day of the Soldado, you might like these similar films:

• Sicario (2015): The original film that establishes the characters and the intense, morally gray world of the U.S.-Mexico border.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Features a similarly realistic and gritty portrayal of covert operations and the difficult choices made in the name of national security.
• Man on Fire (2004): Involves a bodyguard protecting a child from dangerous criminals, showcasing themes of redemption and brutal justice.
• Savages (2012): Explores the violent world of drug cartels and the extreme measures taken by individuals caught in the crossfire.

🛒 Sicario: Day of the Soldado Related Products

• Sicario (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital): Experience the original Sicario in stunning 4K Ultra HD. Relive the suspense and intensity of the first film that started it all.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Sicario – Alejandro: Add the mysterious Alejandro from Sicario to your Funko Pop! collection. A stylized vinyl figure that captures the essence of the character.
• Sicario: Day of the Soldado – Movie Poster: Decorate your space with this high-quality poster featuring the intense imagery from Sicario: Day of the Soldado.
• Men’s Sicario: Day of the Soldado T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for the film with this cool-looking t-shirt, which includes the title of the movie and an image. Comes in various styles and sizes

🎧 Soundtrack

Sicario: Day of the Soldado features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Beast” – performed by Hildur Guðnadóttir
• “Kidnapping” – performed by Hildur Guðnadóttir
• “Se Sienten Menos” – performed by Under Side 821

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Josh Brolin on ‘Sicario 2,’ stepmom Barbra Streisand becoming a grandma

Curious about Josh Brolin’s experience filming Sicario 2? Dive into this interview where he dishes on the movie and his famous family!

Sicario 2: Soldado reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want a deeper look into Sicario 2? Mark Kermode’s expert review breaks down the movie, giving you insights you may have missed!

The Wolf of Juarez | Alejandro Character Analysis (Sicario)

If you found Alejandro’s character intriguing in Sicario, this analysis will take you on a journey into his psyche, exploring what drives him and the choices he makes.

✨ Rate