Sicario 2, officially known as Sicario: Day of the Soldado, debuted on June 29, 2018, plunging viewers into the gripping and perilous realm of the drug war.
This film deepens the bleak depiction of the drug conflict affecting both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The central figures, Matt Graver (played by Josh Brolin) and Alejandro Gillick (portrayed by Benicio del Toro), are tasked with igniting a war between rival Mexican drug cartels.
As their mission unfolds, they encounter dire and violent repercussions. The film’s conclusion serves as both a resolution and a launchpad for potential future developments, with Matt rescuing Isabela at the end.
The official synopsis of the film states:
“FBI agent Matt Graver calls on mysterious operative Alejandro Gillick when Mexican drug cartels start to smuggle terrorists across the U.S. border. The war escalates even further when Alejandro kidnaps a top kingpin’s daughter to deliberately increase the tensions. When the young girl is seen as collateral damage, the two men will determine her fate as they question everything that they are fighting for.”
The Ending of Sicario 2 – Matt Graver’s Moral Conflict over Saving Isabela
Matt Graver’s choice to save Isabela, even after receiving orders to eliminate her, marks a crucial turning point in Sicario 2. Throughout the film, Matt is depicted as a ruthless operative willing to follow directives without second thoughts.
However, as Alejandro and Isabela confront immediate threats, Matt’s hardened demeanor begins to fracture. He opts to protect Isabela, contradicting his typical behavior.
Alejandro’s Near-Death Experience
Alejandro faces a shocking moment when he is shot in the head by a smuggler named Miguel. This scene leads viewers to believe that Alejandro, the film’s main character, is dead, but later it is revealed that he has survived.
Isabela’s Role in the Drug War
Isabela Reyes, the kidnapped daughter of a cartel leader, embodies the collateral damage caused by the ongoing drug war. Initially portrayed as a rebellious teenager, her situation swiftly evolves into a precarious one.
Once the daughter of a powerful figure, Isabela finds herself in a perilous position, becoming a pawn in a treacherous game.
At the film’s conclusion, Matt offers to place her in witness protection, highlighting her lack of autonomy over her own fate. Isabela’s journey signifies the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of the drug war.
Matt’s Strategy Proves Ineffective
In Sicario 2, Matt’s violent methodology in the war on drugs ultimately proves flawed. His strategy to incite retaliation from the cartels fails to yield the desired results, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Initially sanctioned by the government, the mission collapses when public scrutiny arises, forcing Matt to abandon his ruthless tactics.
This pivotal failure emphasizes the central theme of Sicario 2: even the most meticulously crafted plans can falter when faced with human unpredictability.
Alejandro’s Transformation
Alejandro’s character undergoes a significant evolution across the film, especially in its final moments. After surviving a critical gunshot, Alejandro confronts Miguel, the young smuggler responsible for his injury. Instead of seeking revenge, Alejandro poses a vague question to Miguel about wanting to become a Sicario.
This ambiguous proposition suggests Alejandro may be considering Miguel as a potential successor, reflecting a shift in his motivations away from personal vengeance toward a broader role in the ongoing conflict.
The conclusion of Sicario 2 opens the door for a possible third installment, freeing Alejandro from CIA constraints and hinting at a more autonomous and menacing future. Matt’s decision to spare Isabela hints at his ongoing struggle with the moral implications of his actions.
While Isabela’s trajectory remains uncertain, it suggests her deeper involvement in the drug conflict moving forward. The film ultimately sets the stage for an upcoming chapter where these characters are likely to intersect again in a more dramatic and intense narrative.
The unresolved tensions and evolving character dynamics in Sicario 2 point toward a more profound exploration of the drug war, personal retribution, and moral dilemmas in potential future sequels.
The movie is currently available for streaming on Hulu.
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