Many films leave you wondering who truly steered the creative process—the director, producers, or cast? Considering this was Sam Hargrave's first time directing, I suspect the Russo brothers provided significant guidance, as the action sequences are remarkably polished and showcase their signature choreography. I don’t want to diminish Hargrave’s contribution; he clearly has a vision for the film, and it delivers what is arguably the best action movie Netflix has ever released. While that statement might not carry much weight, it's genuinely excellent and surpasses every other action film distributed by the streaming service. Two things really make Extraction work: its incredible, breathtaking action, and Chris Hemsworth’s impressive physical and emotional performance. Hemsworth is one of those actors who doesn’t get enough recognition. People often assume his role as Thor limits his range, but that character has evolved considerably throughout the Marvel films, demonstrating both comedic and dramatic capabilities. In Extraction, he not only performs unbelievable stunts—many of which he did himself—but also manages to convey a deep emotional intensity. It's a truly remarkable performance. However, the action is what truly stands out. The Russo brothers brought their experience from working on Marvel films, managing numerous characters and intricate choreography, which significantly elevates the film. During the promotional campaign, people talked about an extended one-take sequence that Chris Hemsworth himself described as “the most complicated action sequence” he’d ever done—and they weren't exaggerating. It’s a genuine work of art. I was so impressed by those roughly twelve minutes that I paused the film and rewatched them. A benefit of watching at home is the ability to do just that. To be clear, it isn’t one continuous shot; instead, it’s a series of long takes seamlessly joined together to create the illusion of a single take. This technical accomplishment doesn't detract from its impact—quite the opposite! These extended shots are packed with action: car chases, gunfights, knife fights, hand-to-hand combat, running, jumping, crawling – you name it. I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the best action sequences in recent years, especially when compared to top franchises like Mission: Impossible and John Wick. Throughout the film, the action is expertly filmed; the editing is flawless, the excitement remains constant, and a sense of urgency prevails. It rarely veers into over-the-top territory; even when the protagonist takes a hit, gets cut, or is shot, it never feels like he’s about to be defeated. This grounding in realism can make or break an action movie, and Extraction establishes a very strong foundation. Extraction has all the elements of enjoyable popcorn entertainment, and I'm confident it will be well-received by audiences. However, it's clear that the Russo brothers and Hargrave didn’t devote as much attention to the screenplay as they did to the action. Despite having a straightforward premise, attempts to make supporting characters important or emotionally engaging fall flat. Even Tyler Rake is saddled with a predictable backstory we've seen countless times. I struggled to connect with any of the characters or their relationships. The reason for the extraction mission—a conflict between drug lords over one person’s son—is so conventional that it feels unimaginative. The film also ends by leaving many questions unanswered and attempting, unsuccessfully, to be either profound or simply ruin everything. I've never been a fan of action films that begin with a flashforward showing the protagonist’s fate; it diminishes the tension and suspense during the main story because you already know what will happen. Ultimately, Extraction will be remembered for its incredible action and Chris Hemsworth’s outstanding performance. He is one of the most underrated actors working today, delivering not only an impressive physical display but also a powerful emotional portrayal. The choreography is breathtaking, and the seamless editing elevates the action to some of the best I've seen in years, including that technically stunning extended sequence. The excitement remains high throughout, thanks to the Russo brothers’ involvement in helping Hargrave create a great film. However, the emphasis on action comes at the expense of the story and characters, which suffer from predictable plotting, cliché backstories, and a lack of emotional resonance. Nevertheless, Extraction is the best action movie Netflix has produced so far—don't miss it! Rating: B+

Source on TMDB