If You Loved Sicario, You’ll Want to Watch This Underrated Crime Thriller

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If you’re a fan of the intense crime thriller, Sicario, here’s another gritty movie you might enjoy that shares similar elements. Written by Taylor Sheridan (known for Yellowstone) and directed by Denis Villeneuve (renowned for Dune), Sicario follows an idealistic FBI agent, played by Emily Blunt, as she becomes part of a task force battling the drug war at the U.S.-Mexico border. The film challenges her beliefs and morals when it portrays that there are no clear-cut good guys in this brutal conflict.

The 2012 film titled “Savages” directed by Oliver Stone follows the story of two close friends who engage in casual drug dealing in Laguna Beach, California. Featuring Taylor Kitsch from “Friday Night Lights” and Aaron Taylor-Johnson from “Kick-Ass”, their tranquil lives are disrupted when a formidable Mexican drug cartel establishes operations within the town. When the two friends refuse to collaborate with the cartel, they soon discover the severe consequences of rejecting powerful drug dealers who operate on an entirely different scale.

2012’s Savages Is Perfect If You Loved Sicario

Savages Shows A Different Angle On The War On Drugs

In expressing my admiration, I’d say that the movie “Sicario” offers a chilling portrayal of the brutal and unethical nature of the war on drugs, particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border. Following his exceptional work in TV series like “Tulsa King” and “Mayor of Kingstown,” Taylor Sheridan masterfully crafts a world that exists in a realm of gray. Here, the true heroes are frequently overwhelmed, their spirits crushed beneath the iron fist of those who wield power over our shared reality. Interestingly, Denis Villeneuve may not be synonymous with crime thrillers, but his science fiction films share similar undercurrents. “Blade Runner 2049” and “Dune,” for instance, delve into themes that echo those found in the world of “Sicario.

In a simpler, more conversational manner: Oliver Stone is known for creating movies about characters who live dangerously and sometimes cross moral boundaries to reach their objectives. The movie Savages follows this trend. Characters Chon (Kitsch) and Ben (Taylor-Johnson), despite being likable, run an illicit drug business with seeds that Chon brought from Afghanistan. Despite their kind natures, they remain lawbreakers in the end.

Movie Box Office (via Box Office Mojo) RT Score MetaCritic IMDb
Sicario (2015) $84.9 million ($30 million budget) 92% 82 7.7
Savages (2012) $82.9 million ($45 million budget) 50% 59 6.4

If movies like “Savages” and “Sicario” emphasize something forcefully, it’s that once someone is entangled in the drug trade or drug war, there seems to be no way out without consequences. The characters Chon and Ben attempt to sell their business to the cartel and exit unscathed, but their offer is rejected, leading the cartel to insist they stay involved. When Chon retaliates by enlisting his Navy SEAL friends against the cartel, it sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately threatens the lives of these two friends and those they hold dear.

The movie titled “Savages” portrays how betrayals and treachery can bring ruin to all parties involved. It shares some similarities with “Sicario,” as both involve violence, deception, and explore the complexities of the drug war, but offer distinct perspectives. Unlike “Sicario,” which ends ambiguously, “Savages” ties up its story neatly, possibly accounting for less enthusiastic reviews it received compared to “Sicario.

Savages Wasn’t Appreciated Upon Release, But Deserves More Praise

Oliver Stone Delivers A Thriling Crime Thriller That Was Mostly Overlooked

Although the crime thriller Sicario continues to be cherished, the film Savages has largely fallen into obscurity, primarily due to the unimpressive reviews it received upon its release. Despite being a modest box-office success, earning $83 million on a production budget of $45 million, its mediocre 50% rating from critics and 54% from audiences meant it quickly vanished from public awareness.

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that the extended runtime and the unexpected twist at the end left some viewers feeling frustrated. Some even walked away before fully grasping Oliver Stone’s clever narrative trickery. The gritty nature of his characters who often seem beyond redemption was another point of contention for many. Yet, for those who appreciate Stone’s distinctive style, this film offers plenty to savor.

Savages Cast & Character Guide
Actor Character
Taylor Kitsch Chon McAllister Jr.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson Ben Leonard
Blake Lively Ophelia “O” Sage
Benicio del Toro Lado Arroyo
Salma Hayek La Reina
John Travolta DEA Agent Dennis Cain
Demián Bichir Alex Reyes

The ensemble performs admirably, and as expected, they all meet Stone’s expectations. John Travolta portrays a corrupt DEA agent, Salma Hayek leads the Mexican drug cartel, while Benicio del Toro serves as her enforcer, undoubtedly the most wicked and vengeful character in the film. Notably, Blake Lively, who plays a woman dating both Chon and Ben, offers one of her finest performances.

For fans of the gritty and intense drama Sicario, the film “Savages” offers an engaging perspective on the U.S.-Mexico drug scenario at a more street-level viewpoint. Unlike Sicario, it avoids focusing on the U.S. government’s covert operations that often result in widespread lethal actions. Although it has its flaws, Savages is a well-crafted crime thriller that should appeal to fans of Sicario.

Sources: Box Office Mojo

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2025-06-20 03:19