MOVIE REVIEW
Extraction, USA
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Mike Yonts
Writer(s): Peter Matsoukas, Mike Yonts
Cast: Leanne Johnson, Marlee Carpenter, Chase Strange, Derek McMahan, Dannon Everett, Dija Renuka, Sheila Ball, James Tackett, Chris Bauman, Jacob Nail, Travis Stoner
Where To Watch: available now, here: www.tubitv.com

RAVING REVIEW: Take a journey to the heartland of America in EXTRACTION, USA, where the gritty real-life dramas of the forgotten develop into a story of survival and defiance. This indie flick, directed by Mike Yonts and co-written by Peter Matsoukas, tells a compelling tale about Marni (Leanne Johnson) and Steph (Marlee Carpenter,) two women whose back-against-the-wall circumstances thrust them into the world of criminal endeavors. It's a raw, unflinching look at how individuals will forge a semblance of life from the scraps left by financial upheaval.

EXTRACTION, USA, is a riveting exploration of the dire straits faced by those on the margins of society. Set in a town scarred by economic decay, the film introduces Marni, a spirited bartender and part-time pool hustler brought to life by Johnson. Marni’s daily grind for survival, alongside her son Jason, portrayed with heartfelt authenticity by Chase Strange, encapsulates the relentless fight against socio-economic desolation.

Steph, played by Carpenter, emerges as a light of change in Marni's monotonous existence. A drifter with a different view on life, Steph's presence ignites a partnership with Marni that transcends mere friendship. As their bond deepens, so does their entanglement in increasingly perilous criminal activities, highlighting the film's potent critique of societal standards and the desperate acts born from hopeless times.

The relationship between Marni and Steph serves as the film's core, rendering a view on queer relationships that steers clear of stereotypical pitfalls. Their journey through the underworld of their rust-belt town to a daring heist is a fight for survival and an act of rebellion, painted on a canvas of stark, industrial decay that Yonts and Matsoukas capture with grim precision.

Though charged with adrenaline, the film's climax seems to rush to its resolution, leaving the viewer craving a more fleshed-out conclusion. This hurried finale slightly undermines the film's otherwise meticulously crafted buildup. Despite this minor misstep, EXTRACTION, USA remains a formidable portrayal of life on the fringes. The film balances its plot with deep, thematic substance, making a potent commentary on the economic disparities plaguing modern America. Accompanied by a stirring soundtrack that encapsulates the characters' emotional terrain, the film entertains and provokes thought, making it a welcome piece in the landscape of independent cinema.

The real triumph of EXTRACTION, USA, lies in its ability to pull the audience into its world—a world where each frame is imbued with the realities of its characters. The film challenges perceptions, invites empathy, and demands engagement, offering a narrative as unpredictable and profound as life.

For those who gravitate towards cinema that combines the thrill of action with the depth of real human stories, EXTRACTION, USA is a must-see. This film doesn’t just depict a story—it makes you live it, leaving an indelible mark with its bold storytelling and poignant reflections on human resilience.

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[photo courtesy of MIKE YONTS FILMS, INDIE RIGHTS MOVIES]

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