In 2018, a pivotal moment in Taylor Sheridan‘s movie career, saw the launch of Sicario: Day of the Soldado—a sequel to the highly acclaimed Sicario—emerge alongside successes like Yellowstone. While often overlooked compared to his other acclaimed projects, this film, returning to screens via Prime Video in December, offers audiences another chance to explore one of the most debated chapters in Sheridan’s career.
Sheridan, renowned for his sharp storytelling in Hell or High Water and collaborations with major figures like Denis Villeneuve, expanded his reach in 2018 with new film and television efforts. As the first Sicario, directed by Villeneuve, garnered lasting praise, its follow-up received mixed reactions, becoming one of Sheridan’s least celebrated cinematic efforts.
The Origins and Trajectory of the Sicario Sequel
Sicario: Day of the Soldado shifted creative direction with director Stefano Sollima, known previously for the gritty series Gomorrah and the film Suburra. Sollima later worked with Sheridan again on the 2021 action reboot Without Remorse, featuring Michael B. Jordan, and most recently directed The Monster of Florence for Netflix. This sequel reunited Benicio del Toro as Alejandro Gillick and Josh Brolin as Matt Graver, characters central to the original’s tense narrative. Despite leveraging familiar faces, Sicario 2’s commercial run yielded $75 million worldwide against a $45 million budget, falling short of the original’s $85 million haul from a smaller $30 million investment.
The financial comparisons underscore the challenge faced by the sequel amidst heightened expectations. While the first Sicario established Sheridan’s name in high-stakes, realistic crime storytelling, the second film has drawn slower long-term traction, though its digital and streaming releases may add continued value over time.
Critical Response and Benicio del Toro’s Recent Successes
Emily Blunt headlined the original Sicario, earning it widespread critical approval and cementing its ‘certified fresh’ status with a remarkable 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In stark contrast, Sicario 2 holds a considerably lower 62% approval, as summarized by the critics’ consensus:
“Though less subversive than its predecessor, Sicario: Day of the Soldado succeeds as a stylish, dynamic thriller — even if its amoral machismo makes for grim viewing.” – Critics
Audience reception echoes these sentiments, with the sequel’s audience score resting at 66%, a significant drop from the original’s 85%. Still, 2018 proved fruitful for Benicio del Toro beyond the Sicario franchise. He earned leading roles, including in Wes Anderson‘s The Phoenician Scheme, and has attracted Oscar buzz for his supporting performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s recent film, One Battle After Another.
Plot Overview and Key Cast Members
The plot of Sicario: Day of the Soldado deepens the conflict at the US-Mexico border, as FBI agent Matt Graver teams up with assassin Alejandro Gillick to confront escalating violence between rival cartels. The film anchors its tension in Graver and Gillick’s uneasy alliance, a dynamic that draws on the strengths of returning actors Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro. With Sollima’s direction replacing Denis Villeneuve’s style, the sequel explores new thematic grounds while continuing the dangerous storylines introduced in the original.
Both Brolin and del Toro bring complexity to their roles. Del Toro’s nuanced portrayal of Gillick, matched by Brolin’s resolute performance as Graver, provides continuity for fans of the first film and further exemplifies Sheridan’s ability to draw standout performances from his cast.
What This Revival Means for Taylor Sheridan’s Movie Career
Sicario: Day of the Soldado’s return on Prime Video offers a new opportunity for reappraisal within Taylor Sheridan’s movie career, allowing both devoted fans and those unfamiliar with its legacy to reconsider its place in the broader landscape of crime thrillers. As Sheridan continues to influence television and film, the sequel’s renewed availability underscores the enduring impact and ongoing debates surrounding his body of work. With renewed visibility, the film invites audiences to examine its complex themes and measure its resonance within the evolving genre of border-crime storytelling.
