Denis Villeneuve's Oscar-nominated 2015 crime thriller Sicario, starring Emily Blunt, is now available to stream free on BBC iPlayer. The film, directed by the filmmaker behind Dune parts one and two, Blade Runner 2049 and Prisoners, continues to win over audiences more than a decade after its release.
A gripping debut screenplay
Written by Taylor Sheridan in his screenwriting debut, the film follows an FBI special agent who is recruited by CIA operative Matt Graver and consultant Alejandro Gillick. Kate, the agent, is handpicked to join a task force aimed at bringing down the leader of a powerful Mexican drug cartel. She soon discovers she is being used as a cover, with the CIA's true intentions gradually coming to light.
Their objective is not to dismantle the drug trade. Instead, they seek to destabilise the cartel so drastically that its top lieutenant is compelled to return to Mexico and answer to the ultimate drug lord, Fausto Alarcón.
Critical acclaim and audience praise
Emily Blunt takes the lead role, alongside Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin, all of whom have garnered considerable acclaim from fans and critics. One Rotten Tomatoes review reads: "This is one of the most suspenseful movies I have ever watched, and it was absolutely amazing!"
Another impressed viewer wrote: "It's tense, it's gripping, it's thrilling...this movie is everything. With an outstanding performance from Benicio del Toro, Sicario delivers amazing work from Denis Villeneuve and is an absolute must-see for any action/thriller fan!"
Upon its release more than 10 years ago, Sicario received nominations at the Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Sound Editing. It also picked up a number of BAFTA nominations and continues to be regarded as one of the finest films amongst audiences, who awarded it an impressive 91% rating.
A trilogy and a sequel
The film was launched as the opening chapter of Taylor Sheridan's American Frontier Trilogy, subsequently followed by Hell or High Water and Wind River. It also spawned a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, while a third instalment is understood to be currently in production.
Sicario is available to stream free of charge on BBC iPlayer, where it is also accessible via Amazon Prime.
