Sicario
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Sicario
Sicario (2015) is an R-rated action-thriller and crime drama that plunges into the brutal and morally ambiguous world of the war on drugs along the U.S.-Mexico border. The film follows an idealistic FBI agent who is recruited into a government task force, only to find herself entangled in illicit operations and extreme violence. Known for its intense, gritty realism and dark tone, the movie depicts the harrowing consequences of cartel warfare and the ethical compromises made by those fighting it. Due to its graphic violence, grisly imagery, strong language, and mature themes of revenge and corruption, the film is intended for a mature adult audience.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film is characterized by pervasive, explicit, and grisly violence, central to its narrative. It includes frequent depictions of shootings, beatings, explosions, and torture, often with graphic detail of blood, tissue damage, and corpses. The intensity and realism of the violence are frequently cited in reviews as extremely disturbing and difficult to watch.
1. In the opening scene, FBI agent Kate Macer's team discovers dozens of cartel victims' bodies, bloody and disturbing, hidden behind the walls of a suburban home, with their heads covered in plastic. An explosion at the scene kills two officers, and a stray arm is later seen in the dirt. 2. Alejandro, seeking revenge for his family, brutally executes a drug lord's wife and two young children before killing the drug lord himself, an act depicted as part of his 'sicario' identity.
Profanity
The film contains extensive and pervasive use of strong language. The MPAA notes approximately 65 instances of coarse language, including frequent use of sexual expletives in non-sexual contexts. Christian review sites specifically count numerous instances of the 'F-word' and other vulgar expressions.
Scary & Intense Content
The film is highly intense and suspenseful, designed to create a constant sense of dread and unease. It features numerous disturbing scenes, graphic violence, and psychological tension that can be frightening and leave viewers feeling hopeless. The realistic portrayal of the drug war's brutality, combined with the moral descent of the characters, contributes to a profoundly unsettling experience.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion against established legal and moral authority are central themes, particularly regarding government agents operating outside the law. FBI agent Kate Macer struggles with the unethical and illegal tactics employed by her task force, highlighting a systemic rebellion against the rule of law. The 'sicario' character, Alejandro, embodies extreme defiance through his acts of vengeance, which explicitly disregard human rights and legal procedures.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
18+ (Adults Only). The MPAA rates Sicario R for strong violence, grisly images, and language. Reviews consistently highlight the film's extremely graphic and disturbing nature, including depictions of torture, mutilation, and murder. Christian parent guides, such as Christian Spotlight on the Movies and Catholic News Service, advise extreme caution, with some suggesting an 'R+' rating due to the unprecedented and nearly intolerable violence and morally offensive content, making it unsuitable for anyone under 18.
Good to Know
The sequel, 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' (2018), notably excluded Emily Blunt's character, Kate Macer, and was described as even more 'jarring, violently graphic' and chaotic than the original, indicating a trend of increasing intensity within the franchise. A third installment, 'Sicario: Capos,' is in development, suggesting that parents should anticipate similarly intense and potentially escalating content in future entries.
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