Sicario
Denis Villeneuve is such a generational talent at world building, but also at grounding the story with the main character. He opens up worlds that feel like a Christmas present you just want to rip open to find out what's inside, but you can't.
Sicario is a thriller with impeccable use of tension from start to end. Using Emily Blunt's character as the surrogate for the viewer is simple yet ingenious, as we get to know this world of cartel crime for the first time.
Also, is Benicio del Toro fucking Batman or something? He is truly the anchor of performances in Sicario. Second time I've seen his performance, and I'm still absolutely in awe of his smoldering intensity and charisma.
At every point of conflict, you never really know who's right or wrong, much less what you would do in the situation. The nerve-wracking sequences are memorable and so well done, with the unease building throughout.
Incredible work. I need to see the rest of Denis Villeneuve's filmography.