An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by a government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.
Cinematography
That sunset silhouette sequence — Deakins at absolute peak powers.
Score
Jóhann Jóhannsson's throbbing dread-bass will live in your chest for days.
Acting
Del Toro's final scene: a man emptied out by the very violence he weaponized.
Director
Denis Villeneuve
Emily Blunt
Kate Macer
Benicio del Toro
Alejandro Gillick
Josh Brolin
Matt Graver
Victor Garber
Dave Jennings
Jon Bernthal
Ted
Daniel Kaluuya
Reggie Wayne
Jeffrey Donovan
Steve Forsing
Raoul Max Trujillo
Rafael
Julio Cesar Cedillo
Fausto Alarcon
Hank Rogerson
Phil Coopers
Bernardo P. Saracino
Manuel Diaz
Maximiliano Hernández
Silvio
Kevin Wiggins
Burnett
Edgar Arreola
Guillermo
Kim Larrichio
Silvio's Wife
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The infamous border traffic jam shootout was filmed in a real gridlock with practical effects — no CGI cars.
Villeneuve has said Alejandro represents 'the shadow of America' — the violence we outsource so we can pretend we're clean.
US
