Extraction, USA | Average Guy Movie Review

Extraction, USA is a town experiencing an energy boom. Good news for some, but not for most. So when a drifter named Steph (Marlee Carpenter) wanders into the bar where pool hustling single mum, Marni (Leanne Johnson) works, and they hit it off, the idea of escaping this grimy town starts to look possible. The only question is; how far are they willing to go in order to actually do it?

If Mike Yonts and Peter Matsoukas were looking to create an authentic depiction of amateur criminals, they have succeeded, more or less. In fact, the movie has something to say about the general state of the human race, and it's hardly complimentary. Anyone who has ever had a boss or worked a shitty job will likely be able to relate. Something Derek McMahan certainly helps with, playing the slimy owner of the bar where Marni works. 

And yet, rather than having that misery and hardship be the focus of the movie, they simply serve as the driving force behind Marni and Steph's criminal awakening. Although it does raise the question as to why certain behaviours are still prevalent. Far from a recommendation to take up a life of crime, however, Extraction, USA veers closer to cautionary tale. Whilst also having a lot of fun with the idea of our downtrodden heroes doing what they can to get out from under.

Balancing a slowly developing criminal enterprise with a curious fledgling family dynamic, this isn't exactly your average heist movie. Amateur hour would be an understatement! While this does mean more laughs, the strong performances by the main cast - even if they are let down by some of the supporting players - make the plight of Steph, Marni, and her son Jason (Chase Strange) engaging. It can be rather amusing watching them hustle everyone at pool too. From the local bar flies to some pretty serious players. 

However, it's when their criminal activities begin to escalate that things get really interesting. Every chance taken. Every monumental miscalculation. It all speaks to their desperation, whilst also adding a real zing to an already tense situation. So by the time the climactic heist comes around, you'll be wondering about the chances of success as you chuckle at their unique approach to pulling off a heist. Who says high stakes amateur hour can't be fun? 

The thing is, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have questions. Questions I won't actually bring up for fear of drifting into spoiler territory, but simply put; Extraction, USA could actually benefit from a slightly longer runtime. After ticking along at a nice steady pace, the ending feels a little rushed. It's like there's something missing. Robbing the movie of the chance to slowly boil over, the tension gradually building until we reach what could have been an explosive climax. That's not to say it isn't a tense affair, and it definitely comes with a little shock factor too. But for those final moments that authentic amateur criminal feel is lost, replaced with a sprinkling of plot convenience and an all too neat little bow. 

Despite a rushed ending, Yonts and Matsoukas' cautionary tale is an engaging and tense affair. Strong performances draw you into the plight of the main characters, while their criminal activities have a dash of authenticity and still manage to bring more than the occasional laugh. 

8/10

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