Denis Villeneuve's Oscar-nominated crime thriller Sicario, starring Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro, is now available to stream free on BBC iPlayer. The 2015 film, directed by the Hollywood filmmaker behind Dune parts one and two, Blade Runner 2049 and Prisoners, has been described by fans as "gripping."
Plot and Cast
Written by Taylor Sheridan in his screenwriting debut, Sicario follows Kate, a disciplined and determined FBI special agent who is recruited by CIA operative Matt Graver and consultant Alejandro Gillick to face a new challenge. Kate is handpicked to join a task force aimed at bringing down the leader of a powerful and ruthless Mexican drug cartel, but soon discovers she is being used as a cover, with the CIA's true intentions gradually exposed.
Their aim is not to dismantle the drug trade at all. Rather, 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
Emily Blunt takes on the lead role, alongside Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin, all of whom garnered considerable acclaim from both 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!"
Awards and Legacy
On its release over 10 years ago, Sicario received nominations at the Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Sound Editing. It also garnered multiple BAFTA nominations and continues to be regarded as one of the finest films amongst viewers, who awarded it an impressive 91% rating.
Another review reads: "Fantastic movie. You can cut the tension with a knife. The acting is excellent, and the soundtrack gives the film a menacing undercurrent that simmers just below the surface."
The film was released as the first instalment of Taylor Sheridan's American Frontier Trilogy, followed by Hell or High Water and Wind River. It was also followed by a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, while a third instalment is believed to be currently in production.
Viewers can watch Sicario for free at home on BBC iPlayer, where it is also available to stream on Amazon Prime.
