One of the most intriguing aspects of Denis Villeneuve's Sicario was how characters' morals were so flexible, whether it be with the CIA, the cartels or Benicio del Toro's hitman, Alejandro. It's what drove Emily Blunt's Kate to try to derail the mission, as she could tell the war on the Mexicans was corrupt. However, the audience soon felt sympathy after learning one cartel took Alejandro's wife and daughter in cold blood. And ultimately, as he began trying to seek vengeance, it turns out his most important kill was also his scariest.
This incident came in the final act of the film when viewers discover why Alejandro was working with the CIA. Josh Brolin's Matt and Co. were offering resources so he could cripple other cartels, with the goal being to allow just one to reign supreme. This would be easier for the Americans to control, and in return, Alejandro would get to take down Alarcón of the Sonora Cartel.
Alarcón ordered the hit on Alejandro's family to hurt the lawyer and his Colombian business years earlier. But now, Alejandro had finally gained access to his mansion, where he murdered all the guards before holding the family at gunpoint. And at first, it appears as if Alejandro's going to let the two sons and wife go. However, he has a different idea after learning how they all lived so rich and happy, knowing Alarcón had families killed every night to keep this lifestyle going. So, when the don asks for them to at least go inside so his family doesn't have to witness his death, Alejandro turns the tables by shooting the boys and Alarcón's wife.
Their deaths are off-screen, but as the camera cut to a wide shot of their bodies on the ground, it's clear Alejandro has lost his humanity. He didn't care for Alarcón's words about how the CIA was manipulating everyone, or that the hits were just business -- for him, everything was personal. It was why he then goads the boss into finishing his meal before taking a deep breath and shooting him.
This merciless act showcased Alejandros' cold demeanor, while also explaining why he couldn't offer forgiveness for what they did to his wife and daughter. The feast was a stark reminder of how culpable narcos bosses and their families are, passing the buck to minions instead of taking the blame.
Thus, Alejandro wanted to send the biggest message and crumble the pyramid from the top. He knew there'd be a power struggle after Alarcón's, which is why he left the grotesque scene, letting the rest of the gang know the boogeyman was out there. Not even the sequel would come near this level of brutality, as this kill was the one Alejandro would stop at nothing to get.
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