Sicario: Day of the Soldado is the tense, brutal, and morally challenging sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario (2015). Directed by Stefano Sollima, this film dives deeper into the murky world of border politics, cartel warfare, and covert government operations. Below is a complete, spoiler-filled breakdown.
Detailed Summary
Opening: Terror Crosses the Border
The film opens with a series of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. Authorities suspect that Mexican drug cartels are smuggling terrorists across the border. The U.S. government decides to escalate the conflict by manipulating cartels into fighting each other, using covert operatives instead of declared war.
Matt Graver’s Assignment
CIA officer Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) is brought in to lead the clandestine mission. Unlike the rules-bound approach in the first film, he is granted permission to operate without restraint. He recruits his old ally, Alejandro Gillick (Benicio Del Toro), and together they initiate a false-flag operation to provoke cartel warfare.
Kidnapping Isabel Reyes
To create chaos among cartels, Alejandro and Graver kidnap Isabel Reyes, the teenage daughter of a powerful cartel leader. Their plan is to make it seem as if a rival cartel kidnapped her, sparking a violent internal war. Isabel quickly becomes both a leverage tool and a moral dilemma.
The Mission Spirals Out of Control
When they attempt to return Isabel to Mexico under a disguised narrative, Mexican police ambush the convoy. A brutal shootout erupts. U.S. forces are forced to retreat, leaving Alejandro stranded with Isabel. Graver is then ordered to erase all traces of U.S. involvement—including anyone who could link them to the mission. This includes Isabel.
Movie Ending
Alejandro refuses to kill Isabel. Instead, he protects her, defying government orders. While trying to sneak her back to the U.S., they encounter human smugglers who murder and rob migrants. Alejandro is captured by the gang and shot in the face, presumed dead. Isabel escapes.
Months later, Alejandro miraculously survives. The final scene shows him confronting one of the young human smugglers who shot him. Instead of killing him, Alejandro recruits him, setting the stage for his transformation. The last line suggests Alejandro will build his own force:
“So you want to be a sicario?”
The ending implies that war against cartels may continue without national borders, beyond governments, and through individuals driven by vengeance and power.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
There are no post-credits scenes. Once the main ending finishes, the story is complete. However, the final scene itself acts like a teaser, hinting at a possible continuation.
Type of Movie
This film is a neo-western crime thriller with war-like tension and morally complex characters. It avoids simple heroes and villains, presenting a dark portrayal of anti-terror tactics and cartel warfare.
Cast
- Benicio Del Toro as Alejandro Gillick
- Josh Brolin as Matt Graver
- Isabela Moner as Isabel Reyes
- Matthew Modine as Secretary of Defense James Riley
- Jeffrey Donovan as Steve Forsing
- Catherine Keener as Cynthia Foards
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack is composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, who later won an Oscar for Joker (2019). Her score here uses oppressive drones, echoing Jóhann Jóhannsson’s style in the first film, perfectly amplifying the film’s sense of dread and moral ambiguity.
Filming Locations
The majority of filming took place in New Mexico and Mexico, with desert landscapes highlighting themes of desolation, lawlessness, and invisible borders. These vast, empty spaces reinforce the idea that violence can occur beyond the sight or control of governments.
Awards and Nominations
While the film received praise for performances and score, it was not a major awards contender. It did receive recognition for:
- Sound design nominations from various critics circles
- Praise for Del Toro’s performance and score in year-end lists
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Taylor Sheridan (screenwriter) originally envisioned a trilogy focused on the character of Alejandro.
- Benicio Del Toro improvised many silent emotional beats, including key scenes with Isabel.
- The ambush shootout was filmed using real desert windstorms, making visibility unpredictable even for actors.
- Director Stefano Sollima insisted on realistic gun mechanics; actors underwent tactical weapons training with military advisors.
- Many background extras were actual residents of border regions, contributing authentic language and behavior details.
Inspirations and References
- Inspired by real U.S. covert operations in Mexico, though fictionalized.
- The idea of weaponizing cartels echoes historical tactics used in Latin American proxy conflicts.
- Themes reflect the war-on-terror era’s blurred boundaries of legality.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Early scripts contained a version where Alejandro kills Isabel to comply with orders, but the studio rejected it for being “unmarketably bleak.”
- Another version showed Graver killing Alejandro, eliminating the idea of a franchise continuation.
- Several scenes showing Isabel’s school life were removed to keep the pacing more urgent.
Book Adaptations and Differences
This film is not based on a book, but both Sicario films borrow heavily from real-life intelligence operations. No official novelization exists, and the story is completely original.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The convoy ambush in Mexico, shot raw and chaotic, reminiscent of war documentaries.
- Alejandro teaching Isabel to remain calm in dangerous situations, juxtaposing comfort and brutality.
- The final recruitment conversation with the young smuggler, setting up Alejandro’s next evolution.
Iconic Quotes
- “You want to start a war? With who?”
- “No rules this time.”
- “So you want to be a sicario?”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Alejandro’s lack of music cues during his scenes emphasizes his internal emptiness.
- Del Toro requested Alejandro never reload on camera; this subtly shows he kills efficiently, without theatrics.
- Several characters are named after real DEA agents as tribute.
Trivia
- Josh Brolin filmed this while also working on Avengers: Infinity War.
- Alejandro’s gun style is modeled after Israeli counter-terror operatives.
- The film was originally titled Sicario: Soldado, but renamed to clarify franchise status.
Why Watch?
This is a brutal, morally complex thriller for those who want more than simple action. It challenges viewers, raises ethical questions about national security, and offers powerful performances, especially from Del Toro. It is not a feel-good movie, but a gripping one.
Director’s Other Movies
- Suburra (2015)
- A.C.A.B. – All Cops Are Bastards (2012)
- Without Remorse (2021)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Sicario (2015)
- Traffic (2000)
- No Country for Old Men (2007)
- Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
- The Mule (2018)
