Where was Sicario filmed?
2015
City Locations
Corrales (USA), Los Lunas (USA), Albuquerque (USA), El Paso (USA), Ciudad Juárez Mexico)
Location Types
Motel, Bar, House
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car, Federal Building, Motel Style
About Sicario
The 2015 American action thriller "Sicario," directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan, is a compelling picture of the rising drug conflict on the US-Mexico border. Benicio del Toro, Emily Blunt, and Josh Brolin offer exemplary performances.
The story centers on Kate Macer, portrayed by Emily Blunt, an idealistic FBI agent enlisted by a secret government task force to tackle narcotics trafficking. The crew, commanded by CIA agent Matt Graver (Brolin) and the mysterious assassin Alejandro (Del Toro), goes on a dangerous mission that tests the limits of legality and morality.
"Sicario" brilliantly depicts the turmoil and lawlessness that arise from a lack of leadership in the drug fight. It's a tightly wrapped thriller that challenges viewers with its ethical complexity and moral ambiguities, going far beyond the typical good-versus-evil tale.
"Sicario" has received high scores on Rotten Tomatoes (92%) and Metacritic (82/100), with praise for superb performances and riveting thriller aspects. Audiences have awarded it a strong "A−" rating on CinemaScore.
In essence, "Sicario" is more than just an action thriller. It's a thought-provoking examination of the ambiguous lines between right and wrong in the never-ending war against drug trafficking.
Sicario Locations
"Sicario," the American action movie released in 2015, came to life in several interesting places. Denis Villeneuve, who directed the film, and Roger Deakins, who shot it, carefully chose locations that accurately captured the tense mood and complicated plot.
Most of "Sicario" was shot in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico. The vast deserts and cities in this area made for a very different landscape that showcased the U.S.-Mexico border area where the story takes place. Some famous sites and fascinating places in Albuquerque were used, like downtown Albuquerque and the rural areas nearby.
El Paso, Texas, was also used as a filming site, which made the border conflict that was a big part of the story seem even more real.
Interestingly, despite the narrative's setting, some producers initially wanted to film in Fort Lauderdale, which would have provided a drastically different visual aesthetic.
A trip to these filming locations could be worthwhile for fans of "Sicario," offering a firsthand experience of the landscapes and locales that lend the film its gritty realism and atmospheric tension.
Fun Facts:
The title of "Sicario" has an interesting provenance. The term 'Sicario' is derived from the Latin 'Sicarius,' meaning “dagger man,” which was used by the Roman Empire to describe assassins. In modern Spanish, it means 'hitman,' a perfect description for Del Toro's role in the film.
Kate and Reggie at the bar scene in Sicario
Wild Pony Bar, 4555 NM-314, Los Lunas, NM 87031, United States
Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) and Reggie Wayne (Daniel Kaluuya) go to unwind after a stressful day. They encounter Ted (Jon Bernthal) at the bar, whom Kate takes to her apartment. The atmosphere in the bar is tense, filled with loud music and chatter. This scene is a turning point in the movie, as it sets up a critical plot twist involving Ted, revealing the depth of corruption Kate faces.
The Wild Pony Bar in Los Lunas, New Mexico, is a notable location known for its appearance in the film "Sicario." It's an old-fashioned honky-tonk with the most massive dance floor in Valencia County. Despite some negative reviews citing fights and a trashy atmosphere, it maintains its reputation as a fully stocked bar that opens at 9:00 AM. However, it's worth noting that this establishment has since been closed.
Get to the former Wild Pony Bar site via Los Lunas, New Mexico. Start by heading south on I-25 towards Los Lunas. Take exit 203 for NM-6 towards Los Lunas and follow the navigation instructions.
The motel scene in Sicario
Motel 1, 2001 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107, United States
Kate's (Emily Blunt) colleague, Reggie (Daniel Kaluuya), introduces her to a local police officer named Ted (Jon Bernthal). After drinks and dancing, they head back to her motel room, where their evening turns dark. As they become intimate, Kate discovers a wristband from the bank tied to the cartel's money laundering activities in Ted's possession. This discovery reveals that Ted is not who he seems; he's been sent to kill her.
Motel 1, located at 2001 Candelaria Rd NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a budget-friendly accommodation featured in various online reviews. The motel ranked #123 out of 154 hotels in Albuquerque on TripAdvisor and has received mixed feedback, with some travelers citing less than satisfactory experiences. Despite its unimpressive ranking and ratings, Motel 1 has gained some notoriety after investigations following a fire incident.
Motel 1 from Sicario is at 2001 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Travelers can fly into Albuquerque International Sunport. From there, rent a car and head north on I-25. Use navigation directions to get to Motel 1.
A convoy crossing the border scene in Sicario
Ciudad Juárez, Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico
A convoy of black SUVs crosses the border from El Paso, Texas, into Juarez to extradite a high-value cartel member. As the convoy moves through the chaotic and dangerous streets of Juarez, the audience is given a firsthand look at the city's stark realities - decapitated bodies hanging from overpasses and armed police officers patrolling the streets.
Ciudad Juárez is a sprawling city in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, just across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas. Known for its vibrant culture and rich history, it's also infamous for its high crime rates linked to drug trafficking. Despite these challenges, Ciudad Juárez is a dynamic hub for maquiladoras (factories), has a bustling arts scene, and is home to resilient residents striving to improve their city.
Fly into El Paso International Airport in Texas, USA, to visit Ciudad Juárez. From the airport, rent a car or take a taxi to the Paso Del Norte International Bridge, also known as the Santa Fe Street Bridge. After crossing, you'll find yourself in the heart of Ciudad Juárez. Remember to carry proper identification for border crossing procedures.
The convoy passes through the streets scene in Sicario
Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, State of Mexico, Mexico
The group of black SUVs, which includes FBI agents and advisers, drives through the busy streets of the city looking for a high-value drug cartel member. As they walk, they see horrible scenes depicting the deplorable state of the region, under the control of drug gangs. Bodies hanging from overpasses with their heads cut off are a depressing reminder of how violent everyday life can be. The fact that heavily armed police officers roam the streets heightens the danger.
Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, usually called "Neza," is a busy city in Mexico State, next to Mexico City on the east side. Crime rates give it a bad name, but the city is known for its lively culture and strong spirit. There is a lot of street art and music in the city's art scene. Neza exemplifies how resilient cities and communities can be because the people there always try to improve their lives.
The Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City is where you should fly in to get to Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl. Rent a car or take the train, which takes you straight to your destination.
The bank scene in Sicario
9620 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA
Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), Alejandro Gillick (Benicio Del Toro), and other team members visit a local bank in Texas. Kate's mission is to deposit illicit money and trace it back to cartel leaders. The bank, full of unknowing citizens, gets suspenseful as Kate completes her assignment under the watchful eyes of her team and bank employees. The anxiety rises when they discover multiple cartel-owned safe deposit lockers stuffed with cash.
Candelaria Road NE, in Albuquerque, is a busy and lively street. It houses many local companies, such as restaurants, shops, and services. The road goes through several areas, giving a glimpse at the city's many types of communities. Candelaria Road NE is an important route for locals and tourists because it leads to many of Albuquerque's parks and recreation areas. It shows how charming and lively Albuquerque is.
Head toward the middle of the city to get to 9620 Candelaria Rd NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Use navigation apps to get you there, depending on your starting point.
Conclusion
"Sicario," directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a gripping tale of moral ambiguity set against the backdrop of the drug war on the US-Mexico border. Filming locations were primarily in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico, leveraging the state's film tax incentive. The city's diverse landscapes and architecture lent an authentic feel to the movie, embodying the regional grit and beauty.
Notable filming spots included Candelaria Road NE, the now-closed Motel 1 in Albuquerque, and locations in Los Lunas, NM. These settings mirrored the film's tense atmosphere and provided a tangible sense of place. Some scenes were also filmed in Mexico City, adding to the film's geographical and cultural panorama.
The choice of filming locations for "Sicario" played a crucial role in the movie's narrative, enhancing the storytelling with their realism and regional character.