Welcome to the “Blue Moon” Series! “Blue Moons” are the best of the best, the movies that deserve to intrude normal conversation and keep me up at night. They go not only on my shelf, but in my heart. They truly are movies that come by “once in a blue moon”.
I have a hard time believing that it was a coincidence that Emily Blunt was cast as the lead role, considering both her and her last name is the movie.
Blunt.
But if her last name is the movie, then you could probably assume her last name is “enthralling”, or “bloody”, maybe “haunting”, probably “gritty”, definitely “bleak”.
Most fitting, though?
“Masterful”.
“Delivering the Goods”
Dripping in atmosphere, “Sicario” transcends the screen as if it never existed to begin with. It exists within its very own planet of filth, and it’s impossible to leave, even after its 122 minutes is up.
I still haven’t left that planet of filth. Not even close. I hope I don’t. I’m enjoying my stay, to be honest. Any movie that’s capable of sticking in my head like this deserves my undivided attention.
From the first hint, the first taste of violence, it never lets up. The tension is constant. Partially thanks to a score comprised of droning bass, packing emphasis on the film’s events like the sky’s the limit. But also because of some of the prettiest, ugliest cinematography to date, and Villeneuve’s undeniable presence behind the camera.
Spurts of violence only offer occasional release in this case, and it is not for the faint of heart.
This is a film decked out in only the best from a technical aspect, but its main attraction is the ensemble.
Blunt, Del Toro, Brolin, and Kaluuya easily could’ve carried this movie all by themselves if they had to, or even wanted to. However, they’re over the top of their game, and thanks to this, they only elevate what is already fantastic, making the film ascend to a level often unseen.
“Verdict”
Perfectly mixed, toting three fantastic lead roles, a sense of pessimism like no other, and two absolute legends behind the camera, Villeneuve and Deakins. Simply put, a landmark.
Absolutely chilling, so incredibly well-rounded in every way possible. Not much else can be said.