Sicario

Sicario

A Modern Western

When we think of Westerns, we usually think of the Old West; Nineteenth Century Cowboys-and-Indians and sixgun toting outlaws. But the American West is a living culture, and in some ways just as wild as ever. Sicario taps into that.

Sicario tells the story of FBI agent Kate Macer, who receives a secret assignment. Working with secret government operatives they unofficially take the War on Drugs across the border in raids into Mexico. The film parallels not only classic Westerns, but also war films, in particular Vietnam films, with Mexico standing in for Cambodia.

The film features an outstanding performance by Emily Blunt as Kate Macer, excellent action sequences, and an unflinching look at the contradictions and double-binds of law enforcement in the War on Drugs. Sicario deserves a place on the short list of best films of 2015.