Rent Extraction (2012)

Extraction (aka Extracted) review by Alyse Garner - Cinema Paradiso

Extraction or Extracted is an interesting science fiction film that has received very mixed reviews from critics and audiences; it tells the story of Tom, a scientist and investor who is in the process of developing a machine that allows an outsider to view an individual’s memories. He begins to flounder however when time and funds start to run short, the emergence of an unnamed benefactor promises to keep the project afloat, but at what cost?

After much deliberation Tom rushes to complete a prototype of his machine, following the conditions set by his benefactor, that the first test subject should be a heroin addict who is suspected of murder. You would think that things couldn’t really be any less straight forward from here, however Tom finds his morality tested and his trust in his invention shaken when the machine is finally put to the test.

With lots of moral and ethical substance just waiting to be explored I expected quite a lot from Extraction, which I fear is ultimately why I felt somewhat let down. Many viewers who had not read or heard anything about the movie prior to sitting down and watching it were very much intrigued and pleased with the overall outcome of the piece, those of us who have sought the opinions of others however (and by reading this you must now count yourself within this number) are teased by the potential of the narrative but ultimately let down by it’s execution.

Though the budget of the film is clearly higher than one would normally expect and the acting abilities perfectly acceptable, there is little about Extraction that stands out, everything coloured by an underwhelming and far reaching disinterest in the potential depths of the overall piece.