In April 2020, most of the world was stuck inside due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. Movie theaters were closed, causing every major studio to push back their films to later dates, so streaming services were one of the few places to find new movies. One of those streamers was Netflix, which released the action thrillerExtractionstarring Chris Hemsworth on June 18, 2025. Hemsworth stars as Tyler Rake, a former special ops agent- turned-elite mercenary who must rescue the son of an Indian drug lord.Extractionwas a huge hit with audiences and becameNetflix’s most-watched original filmup to that point.
Three years later, Tyler Rake is back with a new mission in the sequelExtraction 2. After surviving the events at the end ofExtraction, including a gunshot to the neck, Tyler retires to a secluded cabin in Austria. While recovering from his injuries, Tyler is recruited by a mysterious stranger (Idris Elba) for another adventure — and this one is personal. Tyler is tasked with freeing his ex-wife’s sister, Ketevan (Tinatin Dalakishvili), and her two children from a Georgian prison. The sequel packs an even bigger and better punch, with more fantastic action sequences. Here are three reasons whyExtraction 2should be the next movie in your queue.
1. Extraction 2 has an amazing 21-minute, one-take action sequence
InExtraction, the most memorable sequence of the film is the 12-minute one-take tracking shot shortly after Tyler rescues Ovi from his kidnappers. The sequence includes a car chase, knife battles, shootouts, and explosions. For the sequel, director Sam Hargrave brought back the tracking shot technique, but this time, he increased the length to 21 minutes. The extended one-take sequence inExtraction 2involves three distinct parts: a prison break, a car chase, and a train escape. The action begins when Tyler frees Ketevan and her children from prison. Tyler survives the prison riot and is immediately thrust into a car chase. After the cars are compromised, the action heads to a train, where helicopters and machine gun warfare come into play.
The one-take sequence is a breathtaking feat of action filmmaking. The stunt work and camera movements are superb, which can be credited to Hargrave’s experience as a stunt coordinator. The grueling sequence was filmed over three to four months — and it wasfilmed out of orderdue to production issues. Shooting in reverse order meant Hargrave and the crew had to verify “everything flowed and connected to the next scene.” Luckily, the jaw-dropping scene came out perfect.
2. Sam Hargrave’s kinetic direction
On big superhero projects and adventure films, stunt coordinators end up directing the action sequences. Because of this experience, many stunt coordinators and stuntmen are becoming directors.Deadpool 2‘s David LeitchandJohn Wick: Chapter 4‘s Chad Stahelskiare the two names that come to mind. Leitch and Stahelski worked together on multiple Matrix movies before co-directingJohn Wick. Leitch has gone on to direct action tentpoles, includingAtomic BlondeandHobbs & Shaw, while Stahelski continues to direct the John Wickfilms. Leitch and Stahelski are now two of the best action movie directors in Hollywood.
WithExtraction 2, Hargrave’s name now deserves to be brought up with Leitch and Stahelski’s as Hollywood’s premier action filmmakers. Hargrave previously worked as a stunt coordinator on The Hunger Gamesfranchise,Avengers: Infinity War, andAvengers: Endgame. Under Hargrave’s direction, the Extraction franchise features spectacular stunt work, jaw-dropping one-take sequences, and satisfying final battles. Hargrave continues to improve as a director with each Extraction film, so expectExtraction 3to be even crazier than the previous two entries.
3. Chris Hemsworth cements his status as a true action star
CallingChris Hemsworthan action star isn’t new; after all, this is the same guy who has starred as Thor, the God of Thunder, since 2010. However, his time in Marvel movies, though entertaining, has robbed audiences of Hemsworth’s natural skills needed to succeed as an action hero. The Australian actor checks all the boxes of a leading man: tall, handsome, fit, and charismatic. Hemsworth brings all of those qualities to play Thor, but those are superhero movies.Thorfilms have action, but they are notaction movies. Even Hemsworth admitted to GQ thatThor: Love and Thunderwas “too silly.”
There is nothing silly aboutExtraction 2. The jokes are scarce, and the action is plentiful. Once the tracking shot begins 25 or so minutes into the film,Extraction 2is a 90-minute car crash full of guns, fists, and explosions. At the center of it all is Hemsworth, who feels like a more sophisticated version of an ’80s action star. Because of his size and stature, Hemsworth is believable as an elite mercenary. With a gun in one hand and a closed fist in the other, Hemsworth finally feels like a true action star.
