Extraction (Movie Review): Hemsworth’s Realistic Action Thriller

Chris Hemsworth stars in this gritty, violent, and nonstop action-thriller “Extraction” alongside Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda, and Golshifteh Farahani. Unlike many of Hemsworth’s earlier “Thor” superhero films, this one is much realistic with the depiction of characters that is true to their nature with physical and emotional pain.

Yes, Netflix has dropped the much-awaited Sam Hargrave-directed film “Extraction” which is probably one of the decent action-packed films now streaming on Netflix. As expected from the director, who is the stunt coordinator of films like “Avengers: Endgame” and “Captain America: Civil War,” the film is full of gunfights, explosions, car chase, extended combat scenes and more.

Set mostly in Mumbai and Dhaka, “Extraction” is a refreshing take with an appealing plotline that is truly global. While definitely, it is a Hollywood film, the characters (unlike many earlier English films with an Asian background) speak local languages and with no attempt to stereotype anything, delivering an authentic feel. Then again, there are few things which we would have liked to be on the better side like the way cities are presented as characters in Hollywood films.

“Extraction” is now streaming on Netflix – here is the trailer

Coming to the story, “Extraction” starts with the kidnapping of teenager Ovi, who is the son of India’s biggest drug lord Ovi Mahajan Sr, now in prison (played by Pankaj Tripathi, such an incredible actor but he is just in one scene). As expected, Ovi is kidnapped by neighboring country Bangladesh’s rival drug-trafficking gang leader Amir (Priyanshu Painyuli).

The Indian drug mafia then reaches out to Tyler – an ex-Aussie military and his team of mercenary for the job of extraction. On the other side, Ovi’s father has also asked his accomplice Saju (Randeep Hooda) to oversee the extraction while there is a twist to how they want to achieve the same.

As expected, after a long battle with the Bangladeshi gang men and corrupt local cops, Tyler and his team get Ovi out of the clutches of the drug mafia, but there are more hurdles ahead. What we see later are some well-choreographed action scenes in which Chris Hemsworth excels as a killing machine, however, suffers the most as a mortal.

There are few personal angles, the backstory of Tyler’s character which keeps us guessing but the storyline never throws enough light. Moreover, the bonding between Ovi and Tyler is also good to watch, as it brings the emotional side of the chief mercenary, revealing the burden he is carrying in his personal life, but the film never really dives deep into it.

Talking about the overall storyline, while as an action film it is good enough, considering the presence of good acting talent, it could have been even more engaging with backstory both from the part of Ovi as well as Tyler. There is action throughout the film with fewer catchy dialogues, but after a point, it gets monotonous.

Other than Hemsworth, Indian actor Randeep Hooda gets his share of screen space and he justified the same, but Iranian talent Golshifteh Farahani could have more if the film would not have been too formulaic. What Sam Hargrave in his debut directorial venture has achieved the most is that he has made a good action film by collaborating with global talents.

So, for everyone who would like to see an action film with interesting characters with their humane side, “Extraction” is indeed a one-time watch during the COVID-19 lockdown. Personally, I liked the film because of its realistic climax as it never really tries to make it a one-man army show.

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda, Golshifteh Farahani, Pankaj Tripathi, and David Harbour.
Directed by Sam Hargrave
Screenplay by Joe Russo
Music by Henry Jackman and Alex Belcher
Cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel
Release Date/Year: April 24, 2020
Streaming Platform: Netflix

Where to watch "Extraction" (2020)