Introduction: The Birth of Tyler Rake
Extraction (2020) serves as the intense introduction to Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth). Sam Hargrave directed the film. He is a debut director with a strong stunt background. Consequently, the movie delivers a high-octane, visceral action experience. The central premise involves a seemingly impossible mission. Rake must extract Ovi Mahajan Jr. from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ovi is the kidnapped son of an imprisoned Indian crime lord. This city is an impenetrable fortress under a rival warlord’s control. Therefore, this review will analyze how the film’s relentless pacing established a new action benchmark.
I. Detailed Plot Summary: The Kidnapping and the Extraction
The plot begins with Ovi Mahajan Jr. being kidnapped in Mumbai. He is the son of crime boss, Ovi Mahajan Sr. Notably, the ruthless Bangladeshi warlord, Amir Asif, orchestrated the kidnapping. Rake is hired by Mahajan’s associate, Saju (Randeep Hooda). Saju’s team initially took the contract. However, he quickly discovers Rake’s team, led by Nik Khan (Golshifteh Farahani), is faster. Rake successfully extracts the boy. Immediately afterwards, the mission falls apart completely.
Widespread corruption exists. Rake discovers that Saju’s involvement compromised the contract. Saju is trying to retrieve the boy himself. This is to pay his own debt. This complication leads to a desperate alliance between Rake and the boy. Furthermore, Rake must also evade Asif’s police, his mercenaries, and Saju’s operatives. The narrative focuses almost entirely on their desperate escape. The climax involves a chaotic, brutal confrontation on the country’s main bridge. Ultimately, Rake makes the ultimate sacrifice for Ovi’s escape.
II. Review and Analysis: The Pacing and the Pain
A. The Groundbreaking Action Sequence
The signature element of Extraction is its phenomenal 12-minute « oner. » This sustained sequence is actually a series of expertly stitched shots. It seamlessly transitions from a car chase to a foot chase. The sequence continues into intense close-quarters combat. Utilizing his expertise, Hargrave’s direction keeps the action grounded yet dizzyingly fluid. Therefore, the audience is deeply immersed in the chaos and exhaustion of the fight. Consequently, the scene immediately set a high standard for action choreography. This ambitious sequence, in short, is the technical high point of the entire film.
B. The Weary Warrior: Tyler Rake
Chris Hemsworth delivers one of his most intense performances as Tyler Rake. He portrays Rake as a man who is both physically powerful and emotionally broken. The film explores Rake’s grief and guilt over the loss of his own son to cancer. This emotional weight gives meaning to his reckless pursuit. He sees Ovi not just as a target, but as a chance for redemption. This inner conflict prevents Rake from becoming one-dimensional. Furthermore, the chemistry between Hemsworth and Rudhraksh Jaiswal (Ovi) provides a necessary human element.
C. The Setting and Atmosphere
The use of Dhaka as the primary setting is a significant departure. The cramped, chaotic, and densely populated city becomes a character unto itself. The tight alleyways and busy markets provide a dangerous backdrop for the chases. Effectively, this oppressive atmosphere heightens the tension. It makes Rake’s escape attempts incredibly difficult. Moreover, the film establishes a grim, hyper-realistic tone. Avoiding the slick aesthetic of other thrillers, it immerses the viewer in the raw reality of the mission.
III. Context, Streaming Influence, and Sequel Setup
A. Netflix’s Action Flagship
Extraction immediately became one of Netflix’s most-watched original films. This success cemented the formula of high-budget, star-driven action for the platform. The film benefited greatly from the collaboration between Hargrave and the Russo Brothers. Their influence is evident in the scale and execution of the set pieces. Consequently, the film proved that audiences would tune in for blockbuster-quality action from a streaming service.
B. The Ambiguous Ending
The film features a famously ambiguous ending. Rake is shot and falls off the bridge, seemingly to his death. However, the final shot suggests the boy, Ovi, may have seen a figure resembling Rake. This ambiguity was a deliberate choice. It sparked immediate debate among fans. Ultimately, this ending allowed the filmmakers to greenlight the sequel (Extraction 2). The ambiguous conclusion serves as a powerful capstone to Rake’s arc of sacrifice.
Conclusion: A Definitive Action Experience
Extraction is a definitive, no-holds-barred action experience. The film succeeds by combining Chris Hemsworth’s committed performance with groundbreaking choreography. Remaining a cinematic highlight, the single-take sequence is undeniably impressive. While the plot is simple, the execution is relentless and visceral. Ultimately, the film established Tyler Rake as a major new action icon. Therefore, we highly recommend this movie to anyone seeking raw, high-intensity action cinema.
Final Score: 4/5.