An idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) joins a special task force (including Josh Brolin & Benicio Del Toro) that uses questionable tactics to fight drug traffic between Mexico and the US. This intelligently-written film unfolds the complex narrative by withholding information, reflecting the agent’s own confused state. The style of director Denis Villeneuve sometimes calls attention to itself with atypical camera placement, but he also makes uncommon choices that heighten the drama. Blunt effectively pulls off the mix of tough confidence and vulnerable bafflement. This film rejects typical drug crime tropes for a more cerebral approach that still has visceral moments of violence.
(4 / 5)