After 11 Years, Taylor Sheridan’s 10/10 Action Thriller Masterpiece Keeps Getting Better

Taylor Sheridan has become a major name in television this decade with shows like the Yellowstone universe, and thrillers such as Landman, Lioness, and Tulsa King. But he first made a big impact in movies. In 2015, he wrote Sicario, a gripping action thriller that established him as a talented filmmaker.

Before Taylor Sheridan blew everyone away with Yellowstone, he really made a name for himself with Sicario. It was directed by Denis Villeneuve – the guy who did Dune – and honestly, it was amazing. Villeneuve’s style took Sheridan’s already powerful story and turned it into something truly gripping and unforgettable. It wasn’t just a politically interesting movie, it felt real, and both audiences and critics loved it.

Over a decade after its release, Sicario remains powerfully relevant and is now considered a landmark film. Though Yellowstone made Taylor Sheridan a well-known name, Sicario first showcased his exceptional storytelling ability. The film’s complex moral questions, realistic violence, and insightful social commentary have rarely been equaled in the action thriller genre.

Sicario Is A Masterpiece From Taylor Sheridan And Denis Villeneuve

The 2015 Action Thriller Still Stands As A Towering Cinematic Achievement

Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario, written by Taylor Sheridan, immediately plunges audiences into the harsh and complex world of the international drug war. The film centers on FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), who joins a secret task force headed by the world-weary CIA agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and the mysterious Alejandro Gillick (Benicio Del Toro).

What begins as a mission to take down a drug cartel quickly becomes much more complicated and disturbing, revealing how easily right and wrong can become confused. This chaotic situation is where the film Sicario truly shines. The writing expertly blends intense action with a thought-provoking sense of unease, something very few action thrillers achieve.

As a movie fan, I was really struck by the action in Sicario. It wasn’t just exciting, it was deeply unsettling. Every scene – the raids, the ambushes, even just crossing the border – felt morally gray. It made me question everything, not just who the bad guys were, but if the ‘good guys’ were any better. It wasn’t just violence for the sake of it; it felt like the movie was showing how violence just keeps going around and around, and how the systems meant to stop it often end up being just as brutal as the problems they’re trying to fix.

Taylor Sheridan’s strong writing is perfectly matched by Denis Villeneuve’s direction, which creates a raw and realistic feel, almost like a documentary. Whether it’s the harsh desert landscapes or the tense nighttime action, every shot is powerfully immersive. The film builds constant tension, and certain scenes will stay with you long after you’ve seen it.

Though Denis Villeneuve’s direction in Sicario was arguably a peak in his career, it’s Taylor Sheridan’s writing that truly drives the film. He avoids simple solutions, forcing viewers to confront difficult moral questions. Characters like Graver and Alejandro aren’t typical heroes or villains; they’re complex and mysterious figures, each representing a different side of the fight against drugs.

Even among many action thrillers released in the last ten years, Sicario remains a standout film. It doesn’t just show violence, but thoughtfully examines the reasons behind it and the systems that perpetuate it. With its skillful filmmaking and complex themes, Sicario is a truly exceptional movie that gets better with each viewing.

Sicario’s Themes Are More Relevant Than Ever

Taylor Sheridan’s Exploration Of Violence And Power Speaks Louder Today

Ultimately, Sicario is more than just a fast-paced thriller. The 2015 film deeply examines the difficult moral and political issues surrounding modern warfare. By following an optimistic FBI agent who gets involved in a secret, legally questionable operation against drug cartels, the movie questions what justice really means and what we’re willing to sacrifice to achieve it.

Even in the early 2010s, discussions about border control and immigration were contentious, but today’s political and social environment has made them even more intense. The themes explored in the film Sicario – the difficult questions around government involvement, the devastating impact of crime, and the blurred lines between right and wrong – are still relevant in current events, appearing in debates about border policies and the use of force by governments worldwide.

The film Sicario doesn’t just show violence in one place; it explores how powerful countries often try to fix problems but end up making them worse. It touches on a common worry: when we prioritize results over doing what’s right, what do we sacrifice?

The movie Sicario continues to resonate with viewers because its themes still feel relevant today. Kate’s journey, from someone who believes in doing things the right way to someone who’s lost faith in the system, reflects how many people feel about institutions that don’t live up to their promises. While Graver and Alejandro get results, their methods force us to consider who is held responsible and what sacrifices are made in the name of success.

As a movie fan, rewatching Sicario now is really striking. It feels almost like it predicted a lot of what we’re dealing with today – that constant push and pull between doing what’s legal and what’s effective, and what truly feels like justice. It hits differently now, seeing those kinds of moral compromises play out in the real world, both here and abroad.

Will Sheridan And Villeneuve Ever Team Up Again?

Fans Remain Hopeful The Pair Behind Sicario Will Reunite

For years, fans have hoped to see Taylor Sheridan and Denis Villeneuve work together again after their collaboration on Sicario. Although a third Sicario movie has been talked about for some time, Villeneuve says he hasn’t officially been asked to direct it. He does enjoy Sheridan’s writing but is currently committed to other projects. In a recent interview with The Playlist (2024), Villeneuve shared this information.

Taylor Sheridan is a screenwriter whose work I really enjoy. If he’s involved in a new project, I’d be thrilled to watch it. I hadn’t heard anything about it until now, and I’m not sure if it will actually happen, but anything Taylor Sheridan writes is usually excellent.

Since directing Sicario, Denis Villeneuve has moved on to bigger projects like Dune and its follow-ups. Because of these large commitments and a busy schedule, it’s been hard to find time for a return to the more realistic style of Sicario, and there are currently no plans for him to direct a third film in the series.

Although it’s not certain, a future collaboration between Taylor Sheridan and Denis Villeneuve remains possible. Villeneuve has stated he’d be thrilled to direct a script written by Sheridan if it’s strong enough, indicating they have a good working relationship and could team up again if the opportunity arises.

However, Taylor Sheridan’s increasing work in Hollywood creates some uncertainty. With more projects keeping him busy, it’s not clear if he’ll have time to write another Sicario film. But his original script was the basis for one of the most acclaimed action thrillers of the last ten years, and if he were to write a third installment, it might convince Villeneuve to direct it.

2026-01-18 00:01