Sicario: Day of the Soldado

| 2018

Directed by: Stefano Sollima

Main Plot

"Sicario: Day of the Soldado" follows federal agent Matt Graver as he teams up with the mysterious operative Alejandro Gillick to combat escalating drug cartel violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. After discovering that the cartels are smuggling terrorists into the United States, the U.S. government authorizes Graver to instigate a war between rival cartels. Graver and Alejandro kidnap the daughter of a prominent cartel leader, hoping to incite conflict. However, the mission spirals out of control, leading to unexpected consequences and moral dilemmas. As alliances shift and the situation becomes increasingly volatile, both men must navigate a treacherous landscape where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. The film delves into themes of loyalty, revenge, and the cost of violence in the war on drugs.

Characters

  • Benicio Del Toro plays Alejandro Gillick, a former prosecutor turned hitman, who seeks revenge against drug cartels and becomes entangled in a complex mission involving a kidnapped girl.
  • Josh Brolin plays Matt Graver, a CIA operative leading a covert mission to incite a war between Mexican drug cartels.
  • Isabela Merced plays Isabela Reyes, the daughter of a drug cartel leader, whose kidnapping becomes central to escalating tensions and conflicts between cartels and U.S. operatives.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of "Sicario: Day of the Soldado," directed by Stefano Sollima, the narrative reaches a tense climax. The film follows federal agent Matt Graver and operative Alejandro Gillick as they engage in a covert operation to incite a war between Mexican drug cartels. The mission spirals out of control, leading to Alejandro being shot and left for dead by a young cartel member, Miguel, who had previously encountered him. Despite his injuries, Alejandro survives and makes his way to safety. Meanwhile, Matt is ordered to eliminate Isabel Reyes, the daughter of a cartel kingpin, to erase any evidence of their operation. However, Matt defies these orders, choosing instead to protect Isabel and ensure her safety. The film ends with a one-year-later scene where Miguel, now a hardened gang member, encounters a recovered Alejandro. Alejandro confronts Miguel in a bathroom, revealing his survival and expressing an interest in recruiting him, saying, "So you want to be a sicario? Let's talk about your future." This ending sets the stage for potential future conflicts and alliances, leaving the story open-ended and hinting at further developments in the characters' arcs.

Stefano Sollima Action Crime Drama Benicio Del Toro Josh Brolin Isabela Merced