Introduction

The Sicario franchise returns with its third installment, Sicario 3 (2024), directed once again by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan. After the explosive Sicario (2015) and the tense Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), this sequel dives deeper into the morally ambiguous world of cartel warfare, covert ops, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

With Benicio del Toro reprising his iconic role as Alejandro Gillick and Josh Brolin returning as the ruthless CIA operative Matt Graver, Sicario 3 promises another brutal, high-octane thriller—but does it live up to its predecessors?

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

Sicario 3 picks up years after Day of the Soldado, with Alejandro (del Toro) now a ghost, operating in the shadows as a lone wolf assassin. When a new, even more dangerous cartel—led by a shadowy figure known as “El Fantasma”—emerges with ties to international terrorism, the U.S. government reactivates Matt Graver (Brolin) for one last black-ops mission.

This time, the stakes are higher:

• A kidnapped DEA agent becomes a pawn in a larger geopolitical game.

• A rogue Mexican special forces unit complicates the mission.

• Alejandro’s personal vendetta clashes with Graver’s orders, leading to explosive consequences.

The film weaves through tense negotiations, brutal firefights, and psychological warfare, staying true to the franchise’s signature dread-filled atmosphere.

What Works?

1. Villeneuve & Sheridan’s Return to Form

Having Villeneuve back in the director’s chair ensures the same masterful tension and visual storytelling that made the first film a masterpiece. Sheridan’s script is razor-sharp, balancing political intrigue with raw, emotional stakes.

2. Del Toro & Brolin’s Electric Performances

• Benicio del Toro is haunting as ever as Alejandro, delivering a performance that’s both chilling and deeply human.

• Josh Brolin brings his trademark swagger to Graver, but this time with a weariness that hints at the toll of his actions.

3. A More Global, High-Stakes Conflict

Unlike the first two films, Sicario 3 expands beyond the U.S.-Mexico border, involving Middle Eastern terror cells and corrupt European bankers. This raises the tension but keeps the focus on the personal cost of war.

4. Roger Deakins’ Cinematography (Again!)

The shadowy, sun-scorched visuals are back, with Deakins using wide shots of deserts and claustrophobic urban warfare scenes to amplify the dread.

5. A Fitting End to the Trilogy?

Without spoilers, the film closes Alejandro’s arc in a way that feels inevitable yet devastating—fans of the character won’t be disappointed.

What Doesn’t Work?

1. Less Focus on Moral Ambiguity

The first Sicario thrived on making the audience question who the real villains were. Sicario 3 leans more into straightforward action, losing some of that philosophical weight.

2. Underdeveloped New Characters

A new female operative (played by a rising star) feels underused, and the villain, while menacing, lacks the depth of earlier antagonists.

3. Pacing Issues in the Second Act

The middle drags slightly with political maneuvering before ramping up for the finale.

Final Verdict: Is Sicario 3 Worth It?

For Fans of the Franchise:

✅ Absolutely. It’s a worthy conclusion to Alejandro’s story, with Villeneuve’s direction and del Toro’s performance alone making it essential.

For Newcomers:

⚠️ Watch the first two films first. This isn’t a standalone story.

For Action-Thriller Lovers:

🔥 One of the best of 2024. Brutal, smart, and visually stunning.

Rating: 8.5/10

While not quite as perfect as the first film, Sicario 3 is a gripping, emotionally charged finale that cements the trilogy as one of the best in modern crime cinema.

Alternatives if You Like Sicario:

• Zero Dark Thirty (2012) – Similar tension in the war on terror.

• Traffic (2000) – Another del Toro crime masterpiece.

• Narcos (TV Series) – For more cartel intrigue.

Final Thought: Sicario 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to—it’s a near-perfect execution of what made the first two films great. Stay for the credits—there’s a chilling final shot you won’t forget.

Would you like a deeper dive into the ending or comparisons to Day of the Soldado?