The Taylor Sheridan action thriller sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, recently debuted on Netflix in January and has quickly climbed the streaming platform’s global charts, drawing in large audiences. Known for his acclaimed work in television such as Yellowstone and Landman, Sheridan’s screenwriting prowess returns to movies with this intense continuation of a celebrated franchise.
Streaming Debut of Sicario: Day of the Soldado on Netflix
Taylor Sheridan, recognized for creating top television series like Yellowstone, 1923, and other successful spin-offs for Paramount, is also regarded for his impactful contributions to the film industry. He wrote critically praised movies including Hell or High Water and Wind River, and previously scripted Denis Villeneuve‘s thriller Sicario.
Now, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, the follow-up to Villeneuve’s highly regarded original, has arrived on Netflix. Josh Brolin returns as the captivating and morally ambiguous Matt Graver, anchoring the film’s cast. The movie immediately resonated with viewers, shooting up to seventh place on Netflix’s global weekly movie chart within weeks of its arrival.
A Look at the Cast and Creative Team
While Taylor Sheridan returned to handle the screenplay, the directing reins passed from Denis Villeneuve to Stefano Sollima for the sequel. Veteran actors Benicio Del Toro and Jeffrey Donovan reprise their roles alongside Brolin. New additions to the ensemble include Isabela Merced, Catherine Keener, and Matthew Modine, expanding the dramatic landscape of the story.
Whereas the first Sicario film followed Emily Blunt’s character Kate in the brutal struggle along the US-Mexico border, this installment pivots, focusing squarely on Matt Graver. Faced with Mexican cartels smuggling terrorists across the US border, Graver joins the enigmatic operative Alejandro Gillick, portrayed by Benicio Del Toro, on a mission that spirals into chaotic violence and moral complexity.
“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.”
Reception: Comparisons to the First Sicario
Following up Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed original, the sequel entered with high expectations. Sicario was a remarkably popular film, with a 91% critics’ score and 85% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Sicario: Day of the Soldado, while generally well-received as a crime thriller, scored notably lower, earning 62% from critics and 66% from audiences.
The movie maintains a dedicated fanbase, and at least one viewer praised it, saying,
A masterpiece, just like the first film… Some folks didn’t have the patience to embrace this 2nd piece to the story. But it is beautiful, start to finish.
Yet, prevailing sentiment among both critics and casual viewers suggests that, while the sequel delivers intensity and drama, it lacks the tightly focused storytelling and gripping subtext that defined the original Sicario.
Main Characters and Performances
Leading the cast is Josh Brolin as Matt Graver, a formidable figure navigating shifting alliances and deadly missions. Benicio Del Toro returns as Alejandro Gillick, the mysterious operative whose enigmatic presence anchors the film’s tension and drama. Isabela Merced delivers a standout performance as the kidnapped daughter of a cartel leader, whose fate drives much of the movie’s conflict. Key support comes from Catherine Keener, Matthew Modine, and Jeffrey Donovan, each contributing to the film’s intense and conflicted atmosphere.
The Film’s Impact and Future of the Franchise
Sicario: Day of the Soldado’s recent success on Netflix illustrates ongoing audience appetite for gritty, high-stakes thrillers written by Taylor Sheridan. Its strong performance could renew interest in both the original Sicario and the broader crime thriller genre. As streaming continues to breathe new life into major studio releases, attention will turn to whether this renewed popularity will lead to further stories in the franchise or inspire future action-thriller projects for Sheridan and the cast.
