On the edge

Ervell E. Menezes

‘Sicario’ is the word used to describe a hit-man in those distant Roman times and director Denis Villeneuve uses it to instill an element of vagueness, even mystery, that keeps recurring in this gripping drama of drug cartels and the ruthless, cold-blooded  methods  they employ.

Villeneuve’s earlier efforts (‘Enemy’ and ‘Prisoners’) are also imbued in that same sense of mystery. ‘Sicario’ treads a long, disparate course with Kate Mara (Emily Blunt) at the forefront of operations. There are other sub-plots but they do not affect the flow of the narrative. Like the one of the close ties between a Colombian and his soccer-loving son.

It all begins during a raid in Chandler, Arizona, where idealistic FBI Special Weapons and Tactics Team agent Kate, her partner Reggie Wayne (Daniel Kaluuya), and the rest of her team, find dozens of corpses in a house laden with explosives, which detonates and kill two officers as also wound Kate.

Kate’s boss Dave Jennings  (Victor Garber) then recommends her to Matt Graver (Josh Brolin), Department of Defence adviser and leader of elite agents to trace the drug cartels. They are then put on a plane where they meet Graver’s rather silent partner Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro), who is to play a major role in the operations.

The plane is supposed to go to El Paso,Texas, but Kate soon learns that the real destination is Suarez,Mexico. Here Kate is in the midst of defence and other officials. Are they using her FBI status as a cover? Their target of course is the drug boss Alarvin, but he is well-guarded. How Alejandro infiltrates into his den is what the rest of the film is about.

Villeneuve’s handling is adept. There’s never a dull moment, thanks to slick cutting and editing by Joe Walker. Cameraman Roger Deakins also goes to town and one shot of the plane taking off (from inside) is worth going miles to see. In a way, Kate is a guinea pig and so is the viewer. But all this adds to the growing suspense.

Emily Blunt is excellent in the lead but is challenged closely by Benicio del Toro who has the best moments.  Josh Brolin redeems himself after his forgettable part in ‘Everest’. The others are of little significance. But not ‘Sicario’, it’s really one of a kind. Need one say more?