“Sicario: Day of the Soldado” (2018), directed by Stefano Sollima, is a gripping crime thriller and a sequel to the critically acclaimed “Sicario” (2015). Starring Josh Brolin, Benicio del Toro, and Isabela Moner, the film delves deeper into the turbulent and violent world of drug trafficking and counterterrorism.

The plot picks up after the events of the first film, focusing on the escalating drug war between the United States and Mexico. The story follows CIA operative Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and his mercenary ally Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro), who are once again tasked with combating the growing influence of drug cartels. The stakes are heightened when the cartels begin using terrorism to spread chaos and instability.

In a daring and morally complex mission, Graver and Gillick are assigned to kidnap the daughter of a powerful cartel boss. The aim is to incite a gang war and disrupt the cartels’ operations. As the mission unfolds, the situation becomes increasingly volatile, leading to intense and violent confrontations.

“Day of the Soldado” is noted for its gritty realism, high-octane action sequences, and the exploration of complex themes such as morality, loyalty, and the harsh realities of the drug trade. The film has been praised for its strong performances, particularly by Brolin and del Toro, and its gripping narrative. However, some critics felt that while the sequel was compelling, it didn’t quite capture the same impact as the original “Sicario.”