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Extraction (2020 film)

Extraction is a 2020 American action thriller film directed by Sam Hargrave and written by Joe Russo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Extraction is a 2020 American action thriller film directed by Sam Hargrave and written by Joe Russo. Based on the 2014 graphic novel *Ciudad*, it stars Chris Hemsworth as a mercenary sent to rescue a kidnapped boy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The film was released by Netflix on 24 April 2020 and later became the first installment in the *Extraction* franchise.

Plot

The film centers on Tyler Rake, a mercenary hired to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned crime lord. The mission unfolds in Dhaka and becomes increasingly violent and unstable as allegiances shift.

Production

*Extraction* was directed by Sam Hargrave and written by Joe Russo. It is based on the graphic novel *Ciudad*, with Chris Hemsworth in the lead role.

Release and reception

Netflix released the film on 24 April 2020. It was promoted as an action thriller with an R rating for strong bloody violence, language, and brief drug use.

Franchise

The film launched the *Extraction* franchise. A sequel, *Extraction 2*, followed in 2023 with the main cast returning.

Key facts

  • The film follows Tyler Rake, a black-market mercenary, on a rescue mission involving a kidnapped child.
  • It is directed by Sam Hargrave, in his feature directorial debut.
  • Joe Russo wrote the screenplay, adapting the 2014 graphic novel *Ciudad*.
  • The story is set largely in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • The film is the first installment in the *Extraction* franchise.
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Canadian context

The film is available to Canadian audiences through Netflix and is part of a globally distributed English-language streaming franchise.

Frequently asked questions

What is *Extraction* about?
It follows Tyler Rake, a mercenary hired to rescue a kidnapped boy, with much of the action taking place in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Who directed *Extraction*?
Sam Hargrave directed the film.
Who stars in *Extraction*?
The cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda, Golshifteh Farahani, Pankaj Tripathi, and David Harbour.
What is *Extraction* based on?
It is based on the 2014 graphic novel *Ciudad*.
When was *Extraction* released?
It was released by Netflix on 24 April 2020.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraction_(2020_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, source material, cast, setting, franchise status, sequel release
  2. Netflixhttps://www.netflix.com/title/80230399
    Supports: Release platform and date, cast, synopsis, genre tags
  3. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/extraction_2020
    Supports: Synopsis, rating information
  4. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt8936646/
    Supports: Plot summary and cast
  5. RogerEbert.comhttps://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/extraction-movie-review-2020
    Supports: Plot, adaptation context, lead characters