10 Years Post-Release: Why Taylor Sheridan’s Amazon Prime Video Thriller Outshines His Yellowstone Series

The acclaimed film Sicario, one of Taylor Sheridan’s standout projects, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Many fans argue that it eclipses his more recent work on the popular series Yellowstone. Launched in 2018 and spearheaded by Kevin Costner, Yellowstone faced a somewhat rocky start during its first season. However, it quickly gained traction and became a significant player in the realm of prestige television, solidifying Paramount Network’s status in the competitive entertainment landscape. As Yellowstone approaches its conclusion in 2024, it has maintained its status as one of the most viewed shows globally, igniting a wave of spinoffs and high-budget projects under Sheridan’s creative direction on Paramount+.

Taylor Sheridan’s meteoric rise in television, especially with Yellowstone, has transformed him into a powerhouse for Paramount+. His extensive catalog of TV shows leverages his storytelling prowess to provide a formidable competition against streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu. Notable series from Sheridan include Tulsa King, 1923, and the latest entry, the Billy Bob Thornton-led Landman. While the critical reception has varied, these series tend to be popular, demonstrating Sheridan’s capacity to produce multiple seasons annually.

The Disparity Between Sheridan’s Yellowstone and Sicario: A Critical Analysis

Why Sicario Remains Sheridan’s Crowning Achievement

Even amidst the success of the Yellowstone franchise and Sheridan’s other shows, Sicario continues to stand as the pinnacle of his cinematic output. Released in 2015, this film marked Sheridan’s bold debut as a screenwriter after his earlier career as an actor, including roles in Sons of Anarchy. The synergy between Sheridan’s sharp writing and the visionary direction of Denis Villeneuve, known for works like Dune and Blade Runner 2049, elevated Sicario to a level of acclaim as one of the most engrossing action/thriller films of its time, even leading to a sequel that couldn’t quite match its predecessor’s acclaim.

While Taylor Sheridan’s television works feature both highlights and low points, the variance in quality, particularly between seasons of Yellowstone, is noteworthy. For instance, the contrast between Yellowstone’s third and fifth seasons illustrates inconsistencies despite moments of brilliance interspersed throughout. The success of Sicario may primarily be attributed to Villeneuve’s exceptional direction—a stark reminder of how critical creative collaboration can be, as evidenced by the lukewarm responses to the 2018 sequel lacking his involvement. Although Sheridan’s impressive follow-up film, Hell or High Water, earned him an Oscar nomination, it prompts a reflection on why his recent works have not equaled the cinematic perfection of Sicario.

Assessing Sheridan’s Workload: Are Too Many Shows Affecting Quality?

The Diminishing Critical Acclaim of Sheridan’s Recent Television Projects

Undeniably successful, Taylor Sheridan’s ability to engage a target audience reflects his understanding of contemporary viewer preferences. However, there is a clear quality gap when comparing his earlier creations to his recent offerings. Series like Landman, despite receiving positive feedback and Golden Globe nominations, showcase a tendency to rely on character archetypes and dramatic elements already explored in his previous series like Yellowstone.

It’s noteworthy that Sheridan seems committed to continuing this prolific output as long as Paramount+ sees success from these projects. The character of Tommy Norris, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton, embodies a compelling charm. Nonetheless, parallels between his dialogue and that of John Dutton suggest a repetitive narrative structure throughout Sheridan’s work. In a recent episode of Landman, a direct quote mirroring a line from Yellowstone demonstrated this concern, hinting at the peril of prioritizing quantity over quality in storytelling.

A Call for Collaboration: The Case for Sicario 3

The Potential for a Groundbreaking Sequel

Emily Blunt in Sicario with blurred images of Blunt in The Fall Guy and Edge of Tomorrow — Custom image by Yeider Chacon.

While Taylor Sheridan is not in a position of needing a career revival, the thought of reuniting with Denis Villeneuve for a third Sicario film is undeniably thrilling. Considering it has been nearly a decade since the original, it would be intriguing to witness how both Sheridan and Villeneuve have evolved as artists in that time. Currently, Villeneuve is focused on his third installment of Dune, while Sheridan is busy with numerous sequels and ongoing series—implying a potential wait before this collaboration could materialize.

Even if it takes a few more years for a Sicario sequel to become a reality, the prospect remains exciting, especially given the film’s enduring popularity. Conversations surrounding a potential third installment have been circulating for years. With the conclusion of Yellowstone, there may never be a better moment for Sheridan to take a step back and dive into the complex world of Sicario once more.

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