El Sicario: Room 164

El Sicario, once a commander in the Mexican state police, possesses a wealth of experience in the dark realms of crime. His background includes training with the FBI, which provided him with unique skills that aided him throughout his notorious career.

Over the course of 20 years, El Sicario operated within the Mexican drug cartels, engaging in activities such as kidnapping, torture, and assassination. His ability to evade capture while taking the lives of hundreds speaks to both his expertise and the pervasive corruption surrounding law enforcement.

Now in hiding, El Sicario finds himself with a staggering $250,000 price on his head. This bounty highlights the dangerous life he has led and the enemies he has made throughout his years in the drug trade.

Despite the risks, El Sicario decides to share his narrative with Italian documentarian Gianfranco Rosi. This decision marks a significant moment where he chooses to reflect on his past rather than continue living in obscurity.

Throughout the film, El Sicario remains anonymous, underscoring the fear and danger that surrounds his life. His choice to tell his story without revealing his identity adds an unsettling layer to the already chilling tales he narrates.

The entire documentary is starkly set within a hotel room that straddles the US-Mexican border. This minimalist backdrop creates a haunting atmosphere, allowing the gravity of his stories to resonate deeply with the audience.

El Sicario reveals the extensive connections between the Mexican drug mafia and corrupt law enforcement officials. His accounts shed light on the systemic issues within a society where the lines between legality and crime are often blurred.

Through his narrative, El Sicario provides insight into the mindset of a contract killer. His education and strategic thinking contribute to a chilling understanding of violence and betrayal prevalent in the drug world.

As he recounts his past, El Sicario grapples with the consequences of his actions. He admits to being a monster, a recognition that indicates his awareness of the moral implications of his life choices and the tragedy they entail.

By sharing his life story, El Sicario offers lessons on the brutal realities of the drug trade. His experiences serve as a cautionary tale about the choices individuals face and the often dire outcomes that follow a path of violence.

El Sicario's identity is deeply intertwined with his history of crime, leading him to reflect on the concept of self. His statement, 'I am a monster, but I didn't want to be,' reveals a struggle with the person he has become due to his environment and choices.

The documentary serves as a powerful medium to expose the harsh truths about the drug war in Mexico. Through El Sicario’s eyes, viewers are confronted with the stark realities faced by those caught up in a cycle of violence, revealing the human cost behind the headlines.