A live Rewatchables episode built around a strong defense of Sicario as a dense, stylish, morally complicated crime thriller with exceptional visuals, sound design, and performances. The hosts focus on its rewatchability through its structure, tunnel and border-crossing set pieces, and Benicio Del Toro’s mysterious turn, while also debating its dense plotting and some of Kate’s character choices.
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01The movie has multiple strong entry points, from the opening massacre to the border-crossing sequence and final revenge climax. Opening minutes
02The border-crossing / Juarez sequence is treated as one of the best action set pieces of the century. Opening minutes
03Villeneuve and Deakins create a visually arresting movie where every frame and composition is interesting. Opening minutes
04Del Toro’s minimalist performance and sparse but memorable dialogue make the character magnetic on repeat viewings. About 8 min
05The movie’s show-don’t-tell construction rewards repeat viewing because key plot mechanics and character shifts become clearer. Opening minutes
WHAT DID NOT WORK
Their main criticisms
moderateKate’s insistence on doing things the right way, even after the tunnel events, feels like a flaw in the writing. Opening minutes · medium confidence
moderateSome of the plot mechanics around the CIA/FBI/legal cover can be hard to follow on first watch. Opening minutes
minorThe endgame logic around Kate signing paperwork and the tunnel confrontation is questioned as implausible. About 1:04 · medium confidence
minorSean argues Emily Blunt’s smoking and some of the character’s roughness do not fully sell as written. About 1:04 · medium confidence
minorThe sequel is viewed by some as unnecessary, even if a few hosts defend it. About 1:12
SCENES THEY KEPT COMING BACK TO
Standout moments
Favorite
Opening massacre and aftermath
The film opens with the bloody house, bodies in the walls, explosions, and Kate’s ruined shower, setting up the level of depravity immediately.
About 56 min Favorite
Border crossing / Juarez sequence
The convoy into Juarez and the shootout in traffic are treated as the film’s peak action sequence and the most rewatchable stretch.
About 32 min positive
Kate and Reggie at the bar
The bar scene builds chemistry, flirtation, and the setup for the later betrayal and strangling.
About 32 min positive
Tunnel raid and infrared descent
The tunnel sequence is praised for its dread, darkness, and tactical staging.
About 40 min Favorite
Dinner scene / family execution
Alejandro’s dinner-table revenge on Fausto and his family is celebrated as one of the film’s most shocking moments.
About 48 min mixed
Alejandro’s final confrontation with Kate
The closing exchange about wolves and the signed document is admired as a stare-down but also discussed as a legality/stretch point.
About 1:04
WHERE THEY DISAGREED
The biggest debates
They partly agreed About 16 min
Who is the real protagonist?
Chris Ryan
Alejandro is the real center of the movie; Kate is the audience’s perspective.
Bill Simmons
Kate is the perspective character, but not the emotional center.
They agreed Opening minutes
How much exposition should the movie have?
Sean Fennessey
The briefing/debrief structure is ideal and helps the movie work.
Bill Simmons
The plot is still hard to follow on first watch, which is part of the experience.
They agreed About 8 min
Whether Alejandro should have more explicit backstory and dialogue
Chris Ryan
Cutting most of his dialogue made the movie better.
Sean Fennessey
Del Toro’s mystery and gestures are more powerful than exposition.
They partly agreed About 32 min
Best replacement in the 2016 supporting actor Oscar race
Sean Fennessey
Wants Benicio in, Tom Hardy out, and even Harrison Ford considered.
Bill Simmons
Argues it was a very strong category but Benicio still deserved a nod.
14 People discussedActors, directors, writers, and producers
very favorableDenis VilleneuveChris Ryan: Praised as one of CR’s favorite filmmakers and the movie’s ideal director, with a style compared to Ridley Scott and Kubrick. Opening minutes
favorableTaylor SheridanBill Simmons: Discussed as a first-time screenwriter whose debut script was heavily trimmed and whose later TV run is admired but also debated. About 8 min
