This is a vivid portrayal of America's War on Drugs. It is dark, disturbing, and, dare I say, hopeless. When the FBI boss asks "Do you get the sense we're winning?" you understand the toll this War has taken on the country and its people. This movie gives the kind of thrill that only the barren desert of the American southwest can give you. The empty scenery isn't flashy. It is a wasteland that inspires fear. The masterful Roger Deakins frames some incredibly stunning shots. It kind of reminded me of Prisoners, another film worked on by Deakins. It featured a different kind of darkness but some similar shots.
There are some excellent performances as well. I think Benicio del Toro is exquisitely creepy and sufficiently mysterious. In most scenes, he lurks in the background calm and cool. But when it is his time to shine, he shows his full depth. Emily Blunt, too, is great. I appreciate that the role of the FBI agent was cast as a woman, not conforming to the gender stereotype of men with guns.
