Denis Villeneuve's Oscar-nominated crime thriller Sicario is now streaming free on BBC iPlayer, offering viewers a chance to watch the 2015 film that fans still call "gripping" more than a decade after its release.
Directed by Villeneuve, known for Dune parts one and two, Blade Runner 2049, and Prisoners, the movie follows an idealistic FBI special agent who gets drawn into a dangerous mission. Written by Taylor Sheridan in his screenwriting debut, the story centres on Kate, the agent, who is enlisted by CIA operative Matt Graver and consultant Alejandro Gillick to join a task force targeting the leader of a powerful Mexican drug cartel.
Kate soon discovers she is being used as a cover, as the CIA's real goal is not to dismantle the drug trade but to disrupt the cartel so severely that its top lieutenant is forced to return to Mexico and report to the ultimate drug lord, Fausto Alarcón.
Cast and Critical Praise
Emily Blunt leads the cast alongside Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin, all of whom received praise 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! With a nail-biting story, shocking action, and an incredible cast, this movie is nothing short of a masterpiece and another home run from Denis Villeneuve."
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
Upon its release, Sicario was nominated at the Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Sound Editing. It also received several BAFTA nominations and continues to hold a high 91% rating among viewers.
One 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 is the first instalment of Taylor Sheridan's American Frontier Trilogy, followed by Hell or High Water and Wind River. A sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, was released, and a third instalment is believed to be in production.
Sicario is available to watch free on BBC iPlayer and is also on Amazon Prime.
