Extraction

UK Release Date: 24 April 2020

Certification: 18
Director: Sam Hargrave
Cast: Golshifteh Farahani, David Harbour, Chris Hemsworth, Randeep Hooda, Rudhraksh Jaiswal

Rating: 77%

Review:

Extraction is one of Netflix's most ambitious productions - a budget of $70 million - and it pulls no punches. Clearly influenced by the success and acclaim of the John Wick universe, the film is a marvellous modern action feature. 

The action choreography is truly phenomenal. Director, Sam Hargrave spent time previously working as a stunt coordinator on The Avengers, The Accountant and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and that bleeds through onto the screen. Every set-piece executed impeccably, it's as close to perfect as humanly possible. Non-stop, brutal and stylistically eye-catching. Antagonists take multiple shots before dying. The camera movement adds to the experience, almost swaying from side to side to try and keep up with what's happening. Each shot, each angle is carefully picked by Hargrave - conveying everything the audience needs to see. There's a twelve minute one take that's virtually hypnotic in the way it is shot, mesmerising but somehow unnoticeable. 

With the film predominantly taking place in Bangladesh it allows for unique locations. Despite the stereotypical idea of Asian culture - vibrant and colourful - Extraction paints Dhaka in a coarse and grimy manner. It works due to the underground drug world present in the film adding to the realism. Henry Jackman's score is fantastic. Great blend of emotion and menace throughout with 'Finale' being the standout piece.

Chris Hemsworth stands out. He's charismatic and likeable as always but he's given the opportunity to show a lot more emotion. Apart from that the characterisation isn't anything groundbreaking and neither is the film in general. However, what Extraction provides groundbreaking action and that's more than enough for fans of the genre. Really looking forward to the sequel.