Item: Extraction
Rating: 8.9
Author: NextFlicks

This all-out action flick holds nothing back as a fearless black market mercenary embarks on the most deadly extraction of his career.

Extraction is based on the ultra-violent graphic novel Ciudad, written by Andre Parks and the Russo Brothers.

Directed by Sam Hargrave and starring Chris Hemsworth, the movie was released on Netflix in April 2020, and quickly became the most-watched original film in Netflix's history, with over 99 million viewers during the first four weeks.

With Extraction 2 already in the bag, the big question is what is Extraction all about and is it worth watching?

What Is Extraction About?

The movie begins in the chaotic city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, where Tyler Rake is approached with a seemingly impossible mission. Ovi Mahajan, the young son of a prominent Indian drug lord, has been kidnapped by a rival gang led by Amir Asif. Tyler is hired by Ovi's father to rescue the boy and bring him back safely.

Tyler infiltrates the heavily guarded hideout where Ovi is being held captive. He fights his way through waves of armed henchmen, showcasing his extraordinary combat skills. During the rescue attempt, Tyler forms a connection with Ovi, who sees him as a figure of strength and protection amidst the chaos.

As they try to make their escape, Tyler and Ovi face numerous obstacles, including Amir Asif's relentless pursuit. They find themselves in a deadly cat-and-mouse game through the city streets, dodging bullets and facing constant danger. Tyler's determination to protect Ovi becomes his driving force, even as his own life hangs by a thread.

In a heart-stopping final showdown, Tyler faces off against Amir Asif, battling with everything he has to protect Ovi. The outcome of the epic clash will determine not only Tyler and Ovi's fate but also the balance of power in the criminal underworld.

Extraction Official Trailer

Is Extraction Worth Watching?

Extraction is an all-out action flick. But, whilst the premise is weak, there's enough to make it a decent movie. The Russo Brothers co-wrote the story and Joe Russo wrote the screenplay.

The direction, from Sam Hargrave, also sets this film apart from your regular action movie. Right from the opening scenes, the camera work is amazing and immersive. He, delivers some incredible ‘one take' action scenes that take your breath away, and the fight scene choreography is just outstanding. In that regard, it's quite like the John Wick series of films.

The hero, the star, the lead man, and the main focus of the movie is non-other than Chris Hemsworth. The muscle-bound Aussie has dropped Thor's hammer and instead loads himself up with knives, guns, grenades, and anything he can get his hands on.

If there is one criticism, it is that Extraction edges close to becoming the Chris Hemsworth show. Virtually every single character in the film gets killed – except him.

But, there are some surprisingly good appearances. David Harbour gives a good performance as do Priyanshu Painyuli, Randeep Hooda, and Rudhraksh Jaiswal, who are all brilliant. Sam Hargrave jumps in front of the camera too and does great as a crack sniper.

But the real standout comes from Golshifteh Farahani who is electric, her character develops throughout the film and so does her performance.

All in all, Extraction does everything that you would expect from an action flick and much much more. The kill rate is through the roof and the violence is pushed way over the line. But it's definitely not boring!

Where Was Extraction Filmed?

Extraction was primarily filmed in multiple locations to capture its diverse settings and create an authentic atmosphere for the story. Here are the key filming locations:

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Several scenes were shot in Ahmedabad, a major city in the state of Gujarat, India. The city's urban landscapes and bustling streets provided a backdrop for intense action sequences and street chases.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Known as the entertainment capital of India, Mumbai served as another significant filming location for Extraction.

The city's iconic landmarks, including its crowded streets, provided a realistic backdrop for the movie's intense and gritty scenes.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Some portions of the film were shot in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The filmmakers utilised the city's chaotic and vibrant atmosphere to depict the high-stakes environment and add an authentic feel to the story.

Bangkok, Thailand

The production team also traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, to capture certain scenes for the movie. The city's distinct urban landscapes and diverse architecture were used to create a sense of international scope within the narrative.

Phuket, Thailand

The beautiful island of Phuket in Thailand served as another location for the film. Its scenic beaches and tropical landscapes added a contrast to the intense action sequences, providing moments of respite and visual appeal.

Extraction Movie Ending

In the gripping finale of Extraction, Tyler Rake confronts Amir Asif in a high-stakes battle in an intense fight sequence filled with adrenaline and suspense.

Without revealing specific details to avoid spoiling the ending, the movie delivers an unexpected twist that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.

The ambiguous ending, with an out of focus figure in the distance, was designed that way on purpose. Sam Hargrave wanted to leave the door open for a sequel and deliberately did not confirm that Rake was dead for that reason.

He was right, of course, becuase now we have Extraction 2 to continue the story!

Chris Hemsworth Extraction Workout

You don't just become Tyler Rake over night and Chris Hemsworth had to undergo a rigorous workout regimen to enhance his strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Using strength training, functional training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and fight training, Hemsworth was able to cope with the physical demands of the role.

It's worth noting that the exact details of Hemsworth's workout regimen for Extraction have not been publicly disclosed. Professional trainers and fitness experts likely tailored his workout program to meet the specific demands of the film and his character.