Review of Extraction (2020)

General Information

• Director: Sam Hargrave
• Main Cast:
  • Chris Hemsworth (Tyler Rake)
  • Rudhraksh Jaiswal (Ovi Mahajan Jr.)
  • Golshifteh Farahani (Nik Khan)
  • David Harbour (Gaspar)
  • Pankaj Tripathi (Saju)
  • Priyanshu Painyuli (Amir)
• Genre: Action, Thriller
• Runtime: 117 minutes
• Platform: Netflix

Plot

Extraction is a high-octane action thriller centered on Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), a black-ops mercenary with a dark past, who is tasked with rescuing the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. The boy, Ovi Mahajan Jr. (Rudhraksh Jaiswal), is taken in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Rake must navigate through the violent and dangerous streets of the city, fighting against rival mercenaries and corrupt forces in an attempt to get the boy to safety. However, as the mission progresses, Rake’s personal demons begin to resurface, adding emotional stakes to the intense action sequences.

Highlights

1. Chris Hemsworth’s Performance
   • Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Tyler Rake is a departure from his usual heroic roles (like Thor), showcasing his ability to play a damaged and complex antihero. Hemsworth is physically impressive in the action scenes, but it’s his portrayal of a troubled, emotionally scarred mercenary that grounds the character and gives the film emotional depth. His performance adds layers to the action, making Rake’s journey personal and compelling.
2. Stunning Action Sequences
   • The film’s action sequences are its standout feature. Directed by Sam Hargrave, who is a former stunt coordinator and second-unit director, the film features some of the most intense and meticulously choreographed action scenes in recent memory. The standout moment is a 12-minute long, unbroken action shot that involves a high-speed chase, hand-to-hand combat, and gunfire, all seamlessly woven together. The choreography and pacing of the action are relentless and thrilling, offering a gripping viewing experience.
3. High Production Value
   • Extraction boasts high production values with its realistic and gritty portrayal of Dhaka. The filmmakers create a chaotic, dangerous environment that enhances the sense of urgency in the plot. The camera work, particularly during the action sequences, is dynamic and fluid, bringing an extra level of immersion to the fight scenes. The film’s visual style, from the grim streets to the tense, confined spaces, heightens the intensity of the story.
4. Emotional Core
   • While the focus is on action, the film doesn’t completely ignore the emotional elements. Tyler Rake’s relationship with Ovi, the young boy he’s tasked with protecting, adds a human element to the otherwise explosive narrative. The contrast between Rake’s hard exterior and his growing bond with Ovi provides a sense of character development and emotional stakes amidst the chaos.
5. Villain and Supporting Characters
   • The antagonists, including Ovi’s father’s crime lord rival and the corrupt police forces, provide sufficient menace. The film also features strong supporting performances, particularly from Golshifteh Farahani, who plays Nik Khan, a fellow mercenary who is deeply invested in the mission, and David Harbour, who provides a memorable, albeit brief, performance as Gaspar, a fellow operative.

Criticisms

1. Thin Plot
   • While the action is top-notch, the plot itself can feel somewhat thin and formulaic. The mission to rescue the boy from a corrupt criminal world doesn’t offer much in terms of surprise or depth. The film relies heavily on action and visuals rather than developing a layered narrative, which may feel limiting for those looking for a more intricate or complex story.
2. Character Development
   • While Chris Hemsworth delivers a solid performance, the character development for others is lacking. Outside of Rake’s relationship with Ovi, many of the supporting characters are underdeveloped, and the villainous figures lack the depth to make their motives particularly memorable or compelling. The emotional stakes, though present, don’t reach the level of depth that could have truly elevated the film beyond its action-driven nature.
3. Pacing Issues
   • The pacing can feel uneven at times, especially during the quieter moments when the action slows down. Some viewers may find these moments dragging between the high-octane action sequences. While necessary for character development, these lulls in the action could feel like interruptions to the relentless pace that the film sets in its better moments.

Verdict

Extraction is an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled thriller that delivers one of the most intense action experiences on screen, with Chris Hemsworth leading a physically demanding and emotionally charged performance. The film excels in its breathtaking choreography, stunning cinematography, and high-stakes action sequences. While the plot may be basic and character development somewhat shallow, the movie is still a highly entertaining ride for fans of action and thrillers. It’s a perfect choice for viewers looking for a high-energy, suspenseful film that doesn’t slow down.

Rating: 8.5/10