Extraction Review: The Summer Blockbuster

Sam Hargrave debuts in the feature film sector through Netflix’s action flick Extraction, starring Chris Hemsworth, Pankaj Tripathi, Randeep Hooda, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, and Golshifteh Farahani, among others. Extraction may be viewed as Avenger’s mini-reunion with the Russo brothers and Thor, aka, Chris Hemsworth, being among those who produced the film and director Hargrave being the stunt co-ordinator in several MCU movies. The film is based on the graphic novel Ciudad.

Extraction is mainly based in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh and there are more fights and actions than there is story. The movie revolves around the kidnapping of an Indian drug lord’s son who is kidnapped by the ruthless and powerful drug lord (Amir Asif) of Bangladesh.

The story is set in Dhaka where most of the action takes place. Tyler Rake, played by Chris Hemsworth, is a private mercenary who is hired by Ovi Mahajan Jr.’s (Rudhraksh Jaiswal) father, Ovi Mahajan Sr., the drug lord (portrayed by Pankaj Tripathi). While Tyler and his team are on the mission, Saju (Randeep Hooda), who is Ovi’s father’s chief henchman, kills Tyler’s mates in a bid to bring the boy back himself and in the process save the costs. Both face opposition from each other and Amir Asif (played by Priyanshu Painyuli) and the police of Dhaka. Both the police force and the elite force of the city are shown to be corrupt and is controlled by Asif.

Extraction Gallery

Photo Courtesy: Google

The movie also has a short role for Stranger Things’ fame David Harbour, who is a former friend of Tyler. Gaspar (David Harbour) picks up Rake and Ovi and helps them to escape a tricky situation. The movie also shows how close Rake and Ovi have become during the mission. These little scenes of emotion are very much welcomed as it provides some respite from the continuous brutality.

However, these pauses are few and far between. Rather, with it long shots of violence and gore, a person might relate the film to be a cinematic version of video games like “Call of Duty”.

The performance of the actors is praiseworthy. Chris Hemsworth delivers a superb performance in his tried and tested avatar of a formidable soldier. So does Randeep Hooda. Hooda also gives the film a twist with his daunting fighter character so that Tyler does not feel like the only super-soldier of the bunch. Hooda, as well as Priyanshu, delivers their lines with a hint of melodrama and in the process, lifts the dull proceedings at times.

Despite having a very loose story, Extraction works because it is a simple action movie with the stunts doing full justice to the action tag. Hargrave uses his experience as a stunt coordinator to his advantage and pulls off some great scenes. Had the stunts been mediocre or below average then the whole project would have been futile. If you enjoy hard-hitting showdowns, then you will love this flick.

Extraction Trailer (Courtesy: YouTube and Netflix)