El Sicario, Room 164 is a documentary film that depicts the story of a hitman for the drug cartels in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The film's main subject is an anonymous former hitman who worked for the cartel for several years and has now retired. He now lives in hiding in the United States and his face and voice are disguised throughout the movie.
The film follows the hitman as he sits in Room 164 of a border town motel, giving a detailed account of his experiences as an enforcer for the Mexican drug lords. He reveals the inner workings of the cartel, the methods they use to intimidate and control the population, and the extreme violence and brutality that he himself carried out on behalf of his employers.
Throughout the film, the hitman talks openly about his life as a sicario (hitman) and provides disturbing details about the executions he carried out, including the use of torture and dismemberment. He also explains how he became involved in the cartel and the pressures that led him to make the choice to become a hitman.
The filmmaker, Gianfranco Rosi, uses a minimalist approach with no music or sound effects, allowing the hitman's words to stand alone. The camera remains fixed on the face of the hitman throughout the interview, allowing the audience to witness the fear and guilt that still weigh heavily on his conscience.
El Sicario, Room 164 is a chilling and eye-opening documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the world of drug cartels and the people who work for them. It is a stark reminder of the human cost of the war on drugs.