Netflix Brings Quarantined Audiences Action-Packed ‘Extraction’
From the opening shot, the Netflix original movie “Extraction” sets itself up to be a by-the-book survival thriller — because that’s exactly what it is. It might not be the most intellectual form of entertainment, but “Extraction” is a straightforward and thrilling action film perfect for anyone tired of being cooped up at home.
And that kind of movie just might be what people are looking for. “Extraction” premiered on April 24th and quickly became the top-trending movie on the site over the weekend.
Chris Hemsworth stars as Tyler Rake, a black market mercenary with a classic “tragic past.” Rake is hired to rescue 14-year-old Ovi (Rudhraksh Jaiswal), the son of a rich and powerful gangster, after he is kidnapped from Mumbai and taken to Bangladesh.
While the script for “Extraction” does not necessarily aim to revolutionize the genre, the choreography and direction make the action movie exciting and very enjoyable.
Hemsworth, of “Thor” franchise fame, reunites with part of the Marvel team in this new movie. Joe Russo, who directed the last two “Avengers” movies with his brother Anthony, wrote the script and both Russo brothers produced the film.
And it shows. The movie certainly has “Marvel” flair when it comes to the choreography and action. The film is filled with impressive stunts and shots as Hemsworth fights dozens at once, falls off buildings, and speeds away in car chases. In particular, a “one shot” action sequence lasting over twelve minutes at the end of act one is so impressive that one can almost forget that none of the characters should have survived the first minute of it all.
The choreography of the camera itself is another aspect to be applauded. The way the camera weaves throughout the action adds even more motion to the fight sequences and creates heart-pounding action. The directing is the work of Sam Hargrave, who also was the stunt coordinator for several films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Even though it was Hargrave’s directorial debut, the movie is evidence that he is experienced working with stunts.
That said, a major criticism of the movie is the sheer number of deaths and violence throughout the film. “Extraction” certainly deserves its R rating as people drop dead left and right without a second thought. Even for an action movie, there are moments where the number of casualties the main characters take on seems a bit excessive.
Perhaps it’s a feat on its own that no matter how many people are killed on screen, Hemsworth’s charisma as an actor keeps audiences rooting for him. The same goes for his young co-star Jaiswal, who gives a performance far too sincere for an action movie. Both of the actors’ commitment to their roles grounds the otherwise far fetched plot.
While the movie might not be for everyone, there’s no doubt that it makes a good action movie. The stunts and danger are there, and the actors bring the drama when the plot needs it. Overall, it’s a great movie action movie if that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Saskia Van’t Hof is a fourth-year staff reporter and second-year Editor-in-Chief and Opinion Editor for the Spotlight. She is also president of Key Club,...