Episode 1803 – Sicario: not what we expected

May 27, 2026  

Season 18

Sicario presented us with a few surprises this week. Valerie thought she’d be analysing a hero, but Kate is an underdog. She’s not presented as a typical underdog, nor does she have the typical underdog resolution. On my end, the logline for the movie misses some essential information. I try a new method of creating a premise that clarifies the conflict and story climax, and it delivers a surprising discovery about the real antagonist. -M

(The following summary was generated by A.I.)

In this episode of Story Nerd, we dive deep into the intricacies of storytelling as we analyze the 2015 film Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve. Join Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill as they unpack the concept of a story premise, exploring different methods to create one, including John Truby’s approach and Dwight V. Swain’s lineup method. Melanie shares her challenges in defining the premise of Sicario, while Valerie examines the protagonist’s journey and how power dynamics play a crucial role in character development. With plenty of insights and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for writers looking to enhance their storytelling skills. Spoilers ahead, so be prepared to see Sicario through a new lens!