Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Year: 2018

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Stefano Sollima

Echo Score: 73

Budget: $35M

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

As the drug war intensifies and terrorists cross the US border, federal agent Matt Graver enlists the help of the mysterious Alejandro. Their strategy involves escalating the conflict, but when their methods result in unintended casualties—including a young girl—the moral implications of their actions come under intense scrutiny. The escalating situation forces them into a dangerous and complex confrontation, challenging their understanding of justice and the cost of security.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Sicario: Day of the Soldado yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)

Trace every key event in Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Suicide Bombing Shock

A devastating suicide bombing occurs in a Kansas City retail shop, claiming the lives of fifteen individuals and sending shockwaves across the nation. The attack brings national attention to rising extremist threats and the involvement of international cartels in terrorism.

Kansas City
2

Border Patrol's Success

The U.S. Border Patrol intercepts several terrorists attempting to infiltrate the United States, revealing their preference for suicide over capture. This successful operation highlights the growing peril as Mexican cartels tighten their grip at the borders.

3

Interrogation of Bashir

CIA operative Josh Brolin interrogates an African pirate named Bashir to uncover the links between the terrorists and a cartel leader named Reymi. The investigation reveals that the terrorists traveled from Yemen through Mexico using cartel resources.

4

Authorization for Extreme Measures

High-ranking officials, including Secretary of Defense and CIA Director, authorize drastic measures to combat the Mexican cartels believed to facilitate terrorist entry into the U.S. The decision marks a turning point in the operation against the cartels.

5

Graver's Strategy

CIA operative Josh Brolin, also known as Graver, devises a plan to incite conflict among rival cartels by kidnapping the son of a cartel leader. This strategy aims to destabilize cartels, forcing them to fight each other instead of targeting the U.S.

6

Recruitment of Alejandro Gillick

Graver recruits Alejandro Gillick, a formidable black operative, to execute his risky plan. Together, they organize resources including mercenaries and communication tools to proceed with their mission of kidnapping.

7

Execution of a Cartel Lawyer

As part of the operation, Gillick assassinates a prominent lawyer affiliated with the Matamoros cartel in Mexico City. This high-profile hit sends a clear message and adds to the tensions among the cartels.

Mexico City
8

Kidnapping of Isabel Reyes

Graver and his team capture Isabel Reyes, the daughter of a major cartel leader, in a carefully coordinated false flag operation. This act sets off a chain of events that will escalate tensions between the rival cartels.

9

Ambush During Transport

While transporting Isabel to Texas, Graver's team faces an unexpected ambush from Mexican police. The ensuing firefight results in heavy casualties on both sides amidst the chaos of the operation.

Texas
10

Isabel's Escape

In the midst of the ambush chaos, Isabel manages to escape, prompting Gillick to pursue her despite Graver’s orders. This decision complicates the mission further as loyalties and objectives blur.

11

Crossing into the U.S.

Gillick and Isabel, aiming for safety, attempt to cross into the U.S. disguised as illegal immigrants. However, their journey is fraught with danger as they encounter a Mexican-American 'coyote' with ties to the cartel.

12

Gillick's Capture

Recognizing Gillick, the coyote alerts his associates, leading to Gillick's capture. This near-fatal encounter tests his resolve and marks a significant turn in their escape plan.

13

Rescue Mission

With a newfound determination, Graver embarks on a daring rescue mission to save Isabel, showcasing an unexpected compassion for her. This marks a pivotal moment in his character arc as he navigates the complex dynamics of their relationship.

14

Compassion Amidst Chaos

Graver ultimately spares Isabel's life, choosing to place her under witness protection rather than eliminate her. This decision reflects the moral complexities faced by those involved in the deadly game between cartels and law enforcement.

15

A Year Later

One year after the tumultuous events, Gillick recuperates from his injuries, reflecting on the past while offering Miguel a chance at a new beginning. This moment suggests a potential path to redemption amidst the shadows of their shared experiences.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:02

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Thrillers of Moral Compromise like Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Stories where the fight against evil forces good people into darkness.If you were captivated by the gritty ethical dilemmas of Sicario: Day of the Soldado, explore these movies. This list features intense thrillers and action dramas where government agents and soldiers are forced into morally gray territory, challenging their humanity in the name of a greater good.

morally graytensebrutalcynicalanxiousgrittyclaustrophobicunsettling

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a mission-driven arc where the initial objective justifies extreme measures. As the operation unfolds, operatives confront the unintended consequences of their actions, often involving collateral damage or a personal bond that forces a crisis of conscience, leading to a somber or ambiguous resolution.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared exploration of the 'ends justify the means' philosophy, a consistently dark and tense tone, and a focus on the heavy emotional weight of carrying out brutal acts for a supposedly just cause.

Gritty Cartel and Drug War Movies like Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Unflinching portrayals of the violent, complex world of drug cartels.For viewers who appreciated the raw, unvarnished depiction of cartel warfare in Sicario: Day of the Soldado, this collection features similar crime dramas and thrillers. These films explore the brutal realities of the drug trade, government conspiracy, and the human cost on all sides of the conflict.

brutalgrittytenseanxiousviolentcynicalrealisticharsh

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern often involves multiple perspectives—law enforcement, cartel members, and civilians—colliding in a violent ecosystem. Plots are driven by shifting alliances, betrayals, and the escalating consequences of trying to control an uncontrollable war, frequently culminating in bleak or bittersweet endings that underscore the futility of the conflict.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific, gritty world-building focused on cartels and borderlands, a high level of realistic violence, and a pervasive tone of cynicism about the war on drugs. The pacing is often fast, reflecting the chaotic and urgent nature of this world.

Unlock the Full Story of Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Don't stop at just watching — explore Sicario: Day of the Soldado in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Sicario: Day of the Soldado is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sicario: Day of the Soldado, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Sicario: Day of the Soldado Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Sicario: Day of the Soldado that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Sicario: Day of the Soldado: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Similar Movies to Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Discover movies like Sicario: Day of the Soldado that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.