R | 2h 2m | Action, Crime, Thriller | 2023
As mentioned in my previous review of director Sam Hargrave 2020 actioner, “Extraction,” I’ve been searching for an action series to sink my teeth into, and it seems that Hargrave’s films may well be what I’ve been looking for.
Produced by Netflix, “Extraction” garnered some impressive viewership numbers and a sequel, “Extraction II.” The first film may have been put out to test the waters and see if it would sink or swim. Its success inspired Hargrave to create the sequel with the hopes of developing a full-fledged expanded universe.
This second chapter features Hargrave’s signature adrenaline-pumping action scenes, with lots of shooting, grunting, fisticuffs, and orange fireballs galore, plus a decent story for those who appreciate a narrative with their action.
Back Into the Fire
Still injured, Rake recovers at a remote Austrian cabin set up by friend and teammate Nik Khan (Golshifteh Farahani). A mysterious stranger named Alcott (Idris Elba) shows up and asks him to undertake another highly dangerous extraction mission.
Alcott asks Rake to rescue Ketevan Radiani (Tinatin Dalakishvili) and her two children from a prison where her gangster husband Zurab Radiani (Tornike Gogrichiani) and his brother Davit (Tornike Bziava) have put them, supposedly to protect them. Ketevan is also the sister of Tyler’s ex-wife Mia (Olga Kurylenko), from whom he’s been estranged since the death of their son.
Action Galore
As in the first film, viewers don’t have to wait long for the action to commence. An extended single-shot, 20-plus-minute sequence gets the blood-pumping (and splattering onscreen).Rake infiltrates the prison with Nik and other teammates as backup. He starts off in covert fashion with the lights turned off as he slinks through the shadows and retrieves the family. However, once they are discovered, the lights come on, forcing him into a loud and chaotic series of room-by-room shootouts, brawls, and detonations of both locked doors and people’s bodies.
Good Messages
As in the first film, the narrative revolves around a noble cause: saving innocents entangled in a web of deceit and malevolence. I appreciate how Rake’s character has evolved since the first installment. Though haunted by his son’s death, he no longer drowns his sorrows in alcohol, and displays a more mature, responsible demeanor.The theme of friendship is explored, with Nik encouraging Rake to find a reason to live as he undergoes introspection and soul-searching. He evolves beyond being just a compassionate tough guy with a death wish to a man striving for personal growth and selflessness.
With “Extraction III” recently announced, I’m eager to see how Rake’s journey unfolds further. Chris Hemsworth not only embodies the physicality needed for a deadly black ops warrior, but also conveys deeper emotional layers, portraying a character grappling with inner turmoil.
The rest of the cast shines as well, with the talented French-Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani portraying Rake’s loyal friend, alongside Adam Bessa as her straight-shooter younger brother, Yaz.
On the villainous side, casting Tornike Gogrichiani and Tornike Bziava, both skilled Georgian actors, was a smart choice. They bring authenticity to their roles as Georgian criminals, not only through convincing performances but also by speaking their native language, which adds a unique flavor (non-Georgian viewers can read subtitles during their scenes).
“Extraction II” is standout action film that features Sam Hargrave’s innovative direction and high production values. It delivers an uplifting narrative that champions standing up against evil, regardless of the odds, and highlights the importance of true friendship and loyalty. I eagerly anticipate the third installment.
