Synopsis
Extraction (2020) is an action thriller with an intense focus on pace, directed by Sam Hargrave and written by Joe Russo, one of the Russo brothers known for their work on the Avengers films. Netflix produced and released the film globally on its streaming service. It features Chris Hemsworth in the role of a mercenary Tyler Rake who suffers psychological wounds from his past and is sent on a grim rescue operation far behind enemy lines.
The movie begins in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where the teenage son of an Indian crime lord, Ovi Mahajan Jr., is abducted by Bangladesh’s most powerful drug kingpin, Amir Asif. Ovi’s father, who is serving time in an Indian prison, engages black-market mercenaries to extract the boy, placing his trusted enforcer Saju in charge of the operation. With limited resources and overwhelming opposition, the task is handed to Rake (Hemsworth), a former Australian Special Forces soldier turned gun for hire, emotionally scarred and calloused from years of conflict.
Details of Tyler’s backstory emerge as the film progresses. He is grieving as a result of losing his young son, who passed away while Tyler was deployed in the military. To cope emotionally, it seems Tyler has chosen to engage in reckless behavior, as his dangerous missions could be interpreted as a form of penance or even a death wish.
What was meant to be a simple extraction operation quickly turns into chaos. After saving Ovi from a highly secured compound, Tyler and the boy are betrayed and abandoned by their employers, forcing them into a hostile city controlled by corrupt police and armed gangs led by Asif. Without any backup, an extraction plan, and with a target on their heads, the two have to navigate through the urban jungle of Dhaka.
This sets off a pursuit on foot through tight passageways and over rooftops and bridges which is anything but calm. Ovi and Tyler form a bond, albeit reluctantly, throughout their adventures. With Ovi serving as a metaphorical surrogate son, Tyler begins to feel humanity and purpose as he heals from his internal wounds.
The film’s climax occurs on a bridge that is both literally and figuratively a battlefield. Surrounded by enemies, Tyler makes his last stand in a heroic sacrifice to allow Ovi to escape. While it appears that Tyler dies, the final shot suggesting possible survival keeps the audience questioning.
Cast & Crew
Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake
In casting Hemsworth, the filmmakers did not shy away from the actor’s usual charming, superhero persona. He transforms into a raw and physically demanding character in Tyler Rake. His performance as a grief-stricken man is potent, blending action-hero ferocity with fragile, subdued bravado. Outside the Marvel Universe, Hemsworth proves he is ready for deeply gritty emotionally charged action films.
Rudhraksh Jaiswal as Ovi Mahajan Jr.
Rudhraksh Jaiswal as Ovi impresses with his performance capturing a teenager’s fear and emotional maturation while grappling with violence around him. Along with Hemsworth, Rudraksh helps infuse emotion into the non-stop action.
Randeep Hooda as Saju
Randeep Hooda gives a noteworthy performance as Saju, a character who is morally conflicted and becomes both an enemy and an unexpected aide to Tyler. Saju is a complex character, thanks to Hooda’s intense emotional depth and physicality, which add nuance to a role that easily could have been superficial.
Golshifteh Farahani as Nik Khan
As one of the few women with a significant part, Tyler’s Nik Handler, as played by Golshifteh Farahani, is authoritative and possesses quiet strength. While she does not appear on screen for long, her character has an important function in the story and paves the way for further developments in potential sequels.
Priyanshu Painyuli as Amir Asif
Painyuli’s portrayal of the villain Amir Asaf is marked by a cold, detached menace. Although his character lacks considerable development, he serves the purpose of being an omnipresent danger to the protagonists.
Director: Sam Hargrave
As a stunt coordinator-turned-director, Sam Hargrave is known for his work on Avengers: Endgame and Captain America: Civil War. He brings visceral, ground-level action to Extraction, with the film’s most remarkable feat being a 12-minute uninterrupted action sequence of car chases, running, and brutal fighting, all captured in one continuous camera shot.
Writer: Joe Russo
Joe Russo adapts the script from the graphic novel Ciudad, which he co-wrote with his brother Anthony Russo. The script describes themes of redemption, sacrifice, and emotional isolation. While the plot is quite simple, it effectively provides a backdrop for set-piece spectacles and intense moments of character-driven drama.
Cinematography: Newton Thomas Sigel
Sigel vividly portrays Dhaka’s sun-baked and gritty visuals, adding a sense of urgency and claustrophobia to the film’s urban settings. His camera work is skillful, particularly in the famous long-take action sequence.
Music: Henry Jackman & Alex Belcher
The score fits well with the film’s pacing and emotional nuances. Jackman and Belcher employ a mix of electronic and orchestral sounds to add tension and theatrics to the scenes without overpowering them.
IMDb Ratings
Extraction holds a rating of 6.8/10 on IMDb which indicates a good reception by both critics and viewers. The action-genre film drew praise for its action choreography and performances, particularly Hemsworth and Hooda, and its visual direction. It became one of the most-watched original films by Netflix, reaching tens of millions of households in the first month of its release.
Reviewers noted that although the story is not particularly innovative, the film is well-executed. Its brutality and precision put the action scenes in the same category as the John Wick series. However, some reviews critiqued the film’s simplistic storytelling and underdeveloped supporting characters.
Regardless, the emotional core, particularly the performance from Hemsworth and the bond between Tyler and Ovi, elevates the film beyond the typical action thriller.
Conclusion
Extraction offers visceral action in tandem with a poignant story about redemption. Chris Hemsworth sheds his superhero persona and delivers a grounded, rugged performance while Sam Hargrave showcases his talents as an action director with deftly choreographed tension-filled sequences.
Although the plot focuses on well-worn themes, it is executed well enough to rise above the multitude of streaming thrillers. Extraction is a must-watch for those craving high-stakes action with heart, featuring resonant performances, immersive cinematography, and a blend of physical intensity with emotional contemplation.
The success of the film has already resulted in a sequel, Extraction 2, solidifying Tyler Rake’s lasting appeal and establishing the franchise as a central part of Netflix’s original action offerings.
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