The story follows CIA agent and mercenary Alejandro Gillick as the U.S. government seeks to escalate the drug war by provoking conflict between Mexican cartels.

The mission goes sideways when Mexican federal police ambush the convoy. The U.S. government, fearing a diplomatic crisis, orders Graver to terminate the operation and eliminate Isabela.

Director Stefano Sollima reportedly cut or altered parts of Sheridan's original script to focus more on the relationship between Alejandro and the girl.

After a terrorist bombing in Kansas City is linked to cartels smuggling people across the border, Graver is authorized to use "dirty" tactics.

Critics noted the absence of Emily Blunt's character, which removed the moral "compass" found in the first film, leading to a darker, more nihilistic tone. Box Office

They kidnap Isabela Reyes , the daughter of a powerful drug lord, in a "false flag" operation designed to look like a rival cartel's doing.

Heavily praised for the chemistry and intensity of Brolin and del Toro .